Former Lakers Guard Emerges as Potential Target for LA Ahead of Trade Deadline

The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to make roster upgrades ahead of the February 6 trade deadline. LeBron James and Anthony Davis recently put pressure on the front office to swing for a big trade to help get them to a true title contender level.

The rumor mill is working overtime in the lead-up to the trade deadline. A day doesn't go by without a new name being mentioned as a potential trade target. The Athletic's Jovan Buha revealed a former Lakers guard as a trade target for LA. In his appearance on Hoops Tonight with Jason Timpf, Buha said Lonzo Ball is someone who is on the Lakers' radar.

NBA Rumors: Lonzo Ball Could Be a Potential Lakers Trade Target

"I think Lonzo is someone that's going to be on their radar, and I think depending on the price if you could get him for a second or two seconds, I think that's an interesting swing."

- Jovan Buha, The Athletic

This would be a fascinating addition. After being away from the hardwood for 2.5 years, Ball made his long-awaited return this season. He has appeared in 24 games for the Chicago Bulls, averaging 6.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 20.5 minutes of action. His 36.1% field goal percentage and 33.1% shooting from downtown leave plenty to be desired, but he still provides an intriguing element.

Even with his reduced athleticism, Ball is still a highly intelligent basketball player who can pass, defend, and shoot. He can't be relied upon to play too many games or extended minutes, but Ball is the type of two-way guard the Lakers need and were hoping Gabe Vincent could become.

The biggest impediment to acquiring Ball is his $21.3 million salary. He is on an expiring contract, so he would give the Lakers additional financial flexibility going forward. However, to match the salaries in a trade, the Lakers would have to part ways with a combination of Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and Jarred Vanderbilt. Whether giving up two rotation players for an injury-prone Ball is a good idea is certainly up for debate.

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