Los Angeles Lakers: Three early potential trade targets at the deadline
By Jason Reed
The Los Angeles Lakers have some sort of grand plan around LeBron James to win an NBA Title, which may include a trade deadline trade this season.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been making great moves for over a year to set up a team that is ready to compete for an NBA Title again. Whether it is trading young assets to free up cap space or making smart signings for just one season, the Lakers have not been shy in showing us that their moves highlight a bigger picture.
This summer has been no different. Along with signing LeBron James, the Lakers have exclusively agreed to one-year contracts with free agents Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson and JaVale McGee. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was also re-signed to a one-year deal.
On the surface, this seems to be a move to prepare for next summer when the likes of Kawhi Leonard, Klay Thompson and Jimmy Butler will be on the market. However, what is often less talked about is the potential to use these expiring contracts in a trade for some stars.
This sentiment is more possible as, according to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, the Lakers may be willing to make deadlines trades if the roster underperforms (h/t Silver Screen and Roll).
These could be minor deals like the Cleveland Cavaliers made during last season’s trade deadline. However, the Lakers could also capitalize on certain teams underperforming to trade for an unhappy star.
With that being said, here are three potential trade targets the Los Angeles Lakers may have at the trade deadline.