Polarizing All-Star Named as Dream Lakers Trade Target

The February 6 trade deadline is looming and Lakers fans are still waiting for the front office to make significant moves to upgrade the roster. The Los Angeles Lakers are 23-18 for the season and sit in fifth place in the Western Conference. Yet, the need for improvements to the roster is obvious as the Lakers haven't looked like a title contender all season.

As things stand now, the trade market looks unusually tepid. It has recently been reported that LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been growing concerned with the team's ability to make a big change at the deadline.

Outside of Jimmy Butler, there doesn't seem to be a superstar available on the market. Other former All-Stars like Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic may be acquirable for the right price but how big of a change they would make in the title race is up for debate.

There is one name Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report identified as a dream Lakers target who would be a big game-changer in the NBA landscape.

Lakers Trade Rumors See LaMelo Ball Emerge as Dream Target

Charlotte Hornets' All-Star guard LaMelo Ball is that ultimate target. The 23-year-old point guard is in the midst of his most productive season yet, averaging 29 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game while making a whopping 4.2 threes per game. He took his scoring to another level this season, combining elite pick-and-roll ability with excellent off-the-dribble shooting.

This hasn't translated to winning in Charlotte. The Hornets are headed to the lottery for the ninth straight season, currently sitting at 11-29. Ball has yet to make a playoff appearance in his career.

There has been no indication that the Hornets would be willing to trade Ball at the deadline. That is exactly why he is a dream target rather than a realistic one. Yet, he could be more realistic in the 2025 offseason. If the talented point guard runs out of patience in Charlotte, there is certainly a scenario in which he could force his way to Los Angeles. The Lakers should be ready with the best offer possible in that situation.

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