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Los Angeles Lakers: Trade targets that would help LA’s weaknesses

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 09: Garrett Temple #17 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles past Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of a game at Staples Center on January 9, 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 09: Garrett Temple #17 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles past Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of a game at Staples Center on January 9, 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

4. C Nikola Vucevic — Orlando Magic

Out of everyone on this list, Nikola Vucevic is the most likely person to be traded to the Los Angeles Lakers this season. Vucevic will likely be traded regardless this season with the Lakers being one of the favorites to land the talented center.

Vucevic is a better option than both Koufos and Dedmon and has the same expiring contract perk as both men. Vucevic is a top-10 center in the league, and while he may not be an all-star, would add five or so wins to the Lakers’ total as well as give them a significant upgrade in the playoffs.

The reason for Vucevic’s impending move is the Orlando Magic rookie, Mohamed Bamba. Mamba was selected with the sixth overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Although Vucevic is still the team’s starting center, it would be extremely foolish for the Magic to not capitalize on his trade value when the franchise is already going to shift focus to Bamba.

What the Lakers would have to pay is unclear. The Magic would likely push for a first-round pick and the Lakers might cave in if the Magic throw in the Brooklyn Nets’ second-round pick. Assuming the Nets are the fourth-worst team in the NBA and the Lakers have the 24th pick, that is only a drop of 11 spots for a quality center.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope would have to be in the deal as well to make the salaries match up. That would not be a significant loss with Josh Hart likely transitioning into the starting role here soon.

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