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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) /
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(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) – Lakers trade rumors
(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) – Lakers trade rumors /

Trade option #2:

Kemba Walker is the biggest name to emerge on the NBA trade block. The Charlotte Hornets reportedly are okay with parting ways with Walker if it means they can get rid of one of their larger contracts. Charlotte has the ninth-largest payroll in the NBA, good enough to be out of the playoff picture with an 18-26 record.

Dwight Howard, Nicolas Batum, Marvin Williams, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Cody Zeller all have pretty hefty contracts; all larger than Walker’s. Williams emerges as the prime candidate for the Lakers to target and is the key to making this deal happen.

Williams is owed the remaining of his $13 million this season and another $14 million before the Lakers would be able to utilize their team option. Although Williams does not match the Lakers’ spending agenda on paper, he is a solid player that would slide in perfectly with Kyle Kuzma in the rotation. This season, Williams is averaging 9.5 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.

Although this does not match the Lakers’ spending agenda, it does open the door for possibilities in 2018 and knocks the first barrier down. The Lakers need an established star on the team if they want to lure in a superstar like LeBron or DeMarcus Cousins.

Bring in Walker who can play shooting guard alongside Lonzo Ball. Then, the Lakers will still have over $35 million in cap space for a player like Cousins. Then, Los Angeles has a starting five of Lonzo Ball, Kemba Walker, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma and DeMarcus Cousins.

Hopeful? Yes. Championship worthy? Also, yes.

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