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Los Angeles Lakers: Three trade targets not named Kawhi Leonard

By Jason Reed

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 7: Head coach Luke Walton of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a play against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on December 7, 2017 in Philadelphia,Pennsylvania. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 7: Head coach Luke Walton of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a play against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on December 7, 2017 in Philadelphia,Pennsylvania. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Marc Gasol, C, Memphis Grizzlies

The Los Angeles Lakers drafted the draft rights to Marc Gasol in return for Pau Gasol; eventually winning two NBA Championships in the process. Now, as the Lakers begin to enter a new phase of the franchise, acquiring Gasol is not a crazy idea and could be the table setting move to create an otherwise stacked team.

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Marc Gasol does not have as much star power as other centers in the league but he is a borderline all-star center that can still produce at a very high level. Last season, Gasol scored 17.2 points per game to go along with 8.1 rebounds and 1.4blocks.

Despite having Gasol and Mike Conley, the Memphis Grizzlies were terrible last season. The Grizzlies have the second-highest chance of obtaining the number one overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft — according to Tankathon. It is obvious that the Grizzlies need to move in a new direction towards rebuilding the franchise.

This trade is tricky as it is hard to think what piece the Lakers would be willing to give up for Gasol. Hart would be the most likely option, but the team may not even be willing to pay that. Regardless, Luol Deng would be thrown into the mix and the same flexibility as these other deals would still be present.

The good thing about this trade is it would keep Brandon Ingram in the starting five as well as Julius Randle without having to run a smaller lineup. Let’s say the Lakers go out and get Paul George. Now, the starting five would be Lonzo Ball, Paul George, Brandon Ingram, Julius Randle and Marc Gasol.

Next: Should the Clippers strip or add pieces?

That is a pretty solid team. And while this trade may be the foggiest for the Los Angeles Lakers, it is also the trade target that is the most likely to get dealt of the three. At the end of the day, though, I am sure Los Angeles would prefer Kawhi Leonard.

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