Lakers: 29 Realistic trades to do with every other NBA team
By Jason Reed
The Southwest Division:
Probably the most boring deal on this list, here the Los Angeles Lakers would be getting two guys on expiring deals that likely wouldn’t make a huge impact this season. If the chances of making the postseason fade by the Trade Deadline, this is a deal that is more than likely to happen.
It may or may not be a conspiracy, but Trevor Ariza’s agent is the General Manager of the Los Angeles Lakers, so don’t be surprised if you see Ariza returning to the Lakers. Along with fantastic sixth man Eric Gordon, the Lakers could get much better in areas of need in exchange for a young talent that is part of a deep power forward core.
The first of three consecutive big deals, we could see the Lakers trade back for Marc Gasol. Gasol’s draft rights were traded to Memphis for his brother, Pau Gasol, and he has called it home ever since. With no real chance of dethroning the Golden State Warriors, the Grizzlies could boost their future with this deal and the Lakers get a star to build around.
The second straight deal for a big name center is exactly the same as the last, minus Corey Brewer. Los Angeles would need to give up a very similar package for Cousins as they would Gasol. However, this deal is only doable if Cousins guarantees to sign a five-year contract. If not, might as well wait to sign him in free agency.
LaMarcus Aldridge just does not seem to be a great fit in San Antonio, perhaps prompting the team to deal him for young talent. While Aldridge does have some question marks hanging over his head in the future, the Spurs could still get a good return on him. Here, we see the Lakers get a star power forward with the Spurs adding great depth to their core.