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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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

5. PG Kemba Walker — Charlotte Hornets

This is easily the biggest trade target of the five mentioned, however, it is also the least likely as the Lakers have opened up cap space for a star next summer and would have no room to keep Kemba Walker past this season.

Plus, if the Lakers were to make a midseason deal for a point guard, the most obvious option seems to be Damian Lillard on the Portland Trail Blazers.

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However, there is a world in which a Kemba Walker trade makes sense for the Lakers. First, the Lakers would need the Hornets to suck, which is not too big of a request. While Charlotte will likely be a playoff team, the Lakers need the team to realize in February that the making it out of the first round is unattainable.

Second, the Lakers need the door to swing open to get out of the West. LA needs some cracks to be shown in the Golden State Warriors armor to go out and add a significant piece like this during the Trade Deadline.

Because to get Walker, the Lakers would likely have to send Josh Hart, a contract to match (likely KCP) and the team’s 2019 first-round pick. This would leave LA thin at shooting guard but the team could fill that with a starting Lonzo Ball-Walker backcourt with Rajon Rondo and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk coming off the bench.

The Lakers would also acquire Kemba Walker’s Bird Rights, which could leave to some creativity or even a pay cut from someone to form a big three. Is it likely? No, but it would potentially give LA another star.

Next. Six things we would love to see happen this season. dark

Walker would help the team with his three-point shooting and with the ability to create his own shot, would take some pressure off LeBron James.

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