Los Angeles Lakers: Why a deadline trade this season is inevitable

By Jason Reed | Oct 10, 2018

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 04: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates after teammate Brandon Ingram #14 stole the in bound ball from Cameron Reynolds #13 of the Sacramento Kings at end of the game at Staples Center on October 4, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. The Los Angeles Lakers have the perfect contracts to trade

Not only did the Los Angeles Lakers set the team up to remain flexible next summer by agreeing to one-year contracts, but it also allowed the front office more of an ability to trade some assets at the deadline.

Making sure a deal is possible contractually is the first step in the trade talks process and most teams cannot get a deal done because they do not have any in between contracts. Some teams have massive superstar salaries, like LeBron’s alongside minuscule contracts, like Kyle Kuzma.

The Lakers have a few contracts right now in that sweet spot in between that makes a deal all the more possible. Not only are the Lakers in the sweet spot on most of these contracts, but they are also all expiring, so a team would be willing to take on a slumping player if it means a future draft pick or a young talent.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has a $12 million deal, Rajon Rondo $9 million, Lance Stephenson $4.45 million and Michael Beasley $3.5 million.

Caldwell-Pope and Rondo have the easiest contracts to move with KCP becoming the leading candidate to get dealt. Regardless, there are multiple options the Lakers can utilize contractually in a trade.

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