Los Angeles Lakers point guard Jordan Clarkson attempts a layup against Philadelphia 76ers' Nerlens Noel. (Photo : Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers are down to its final game before the All-Star break, and yet, they haven't made a move on the trading front.
The Lakers are expected to be one of several teams making big splash days ahead of the February 18 trade deadline. ESPN reported at least four Lakers veterans have already been placed on the trading block, with rookie guard D'Angelo Russell being mentioned as another potential trade chip.
Lakers trade rumors are always fascinating stories, but let's dissect which ones have the legs to stand on their own and which are simply ridiculous to believe in.
Nerlens Noel to Hollywood: To the rumors about a trade that would send Nerlens Noel to the Lakers in exchange for Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle, please ignore it. This deal won't happen for one reason: all of these players are untouchable.
It's true that Noel hasn't been having much fun playing alongside rookie Jahlil Okafor, but hey, the former Wildcard stalwart is still a prospect worth keeping. Moreover, the Sixers aren't sure if Joel Embiid will ever play an NBA game due to his knee problem. And if he does completely recover from injury, will he live up to the high expectation on him pre-injury? These are the questions the Sixers need to ascertain before making a decision on the future of their three frontline prospects.
On the other hand, the Lakers will never dare to trade Clarkson or Randle. Clarkson is averaging 15.2 points and 3.9 rebounds per game, while Randle is putting up 11.2 points and 10.0 boards per contest.
Although they are playing for a Lakers team bound to miss the postseason for a third straight year, these youngsters are proving they can be cornerstones for the Lakers post-Kobe Bryant era.
Fact or Fiction: It's a fiction, and no further elaboration. This trade proposal is clearly a figment of a playful mind.
Lakers getting Greg Monroe by sending Roy Hibbert, Larry Nance Jr: Gery Woelfel of the Journal Times reported the Milwaukee Bucks are making Michael Carter-Williams and Greg Monroe available on the trading block.
Carter-Williams is a Rookie of the Year winner two years ago, but the market for him is pretty slim right now. Meanwhile, the Bucks could capitalize on selling a high-value asset in Monroe, who is one of the better low post operators in the league.
Regarding this trade proposal, I think the Lakers would benefit a lot if they ever land a quality big like Monroe. The problem is it's unlikely the Bucks would let a player averaging 16.5 points and 9.6 rebounds walk away in exchange for washed-out center and a high-motor rookie who might have already hit his ceiling.
Fact or Fiction: Fiction for now. I still believe the Lakers can still get Monroe, especially if they are willing to use Russell or Randle as trade chips. Other than that, the Bucks wouldn't deal Monroe just to make trades. They are selling their big man to get the possible package in return.
