LA Sports Hub
Fansided

Lakers trade rumors: The best trades to improve championship outlook

By Jason Reed

LAS VEGAS, NV - OCTOBER 08: Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka looks on before the team's preseason game against the Sacramento Kings at T-Mobile Arena on October 8, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Los Angeles won 75-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - OCTOBER 08: Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka looks on before the team's preseason game against the Sacramento Kings at T-Mobile Arena on October 8, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Los Angeles won 75-69. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 4
Next
(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) – Lakers trade rumors
(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) – Lakers trade rumors /

The Los Angeles Lakers are not all in on making any trade deadline moves. However, recent Lakers trade rumors indicate that some special moves could happen.

There have been Los Angeles Lakers trade rumors dating back to last season that still have not come anywhere close to fruition. It all started with Lou Williams, who was dealt to the Houston Rockets for Corey Brewer and a draft pick to cement the Lakers’ 2016-2017 tank. What resulted was starting point guard Lonzo Ball.

Before the Lakers drafted Ball, though, they made another move. Los Angeles traded second overall selection D’Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets for Brook Lopez and a draft pick (which resulted in Kyle Kuzma). This move was to open up cap space for the 2018 summer. It didn’t help that Magic Johnson did not view Russell as a viable on-court leader.

Nothing has slowed down the speculation, in fact, it has only snowballed. Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson have been the recent names floated in the Lakers trade rumors. Clarkson is set to have the second-highest retained salary after this season; Randle is a restricted free agent and does not fit the Lakers’ budget.

However, general manager Rob Pelinka is not denying all of the buzz. Pelinka stated that the Lakers will not be active during the NBA Trade Deadline unless it improves the team’s championship outlook; in the future, obviously.

Luckily for the Los Angeles Lakers, such deals are possible. Here are three trades we compiled that increases the Lakers’ championship outlook.

Home/Lakers Rumors