Lou Williams (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The LA Lakers are ready to make a trade but their direction is clear, so the NBA trade rumors that make any sense will only involve the veterans.
Lou Williams in particular, has the potential to be a top commodity at the trade deadline. The Laker have done their job to showcase him this season as he is now their most consistent player and top scorer.
According to Hoops Habit, the Lakers did themselves a favor by signing Williams to a three-year, $21 million contract. If they meant to trade Williams, they just gave him maximum value.
"Now, after another solid season, the Lakers could use him to bring in a solid return, while another team could add a spark plug off the bench with an additional season of control. Williams is currently averaging 18.4 points on a True Shooting Percentage of 60.5 and 3.1 assists per game," Quentin Haynes of HH stated.
The Lakers are hoping to get a first round pick in return since their own pick is compromised to the Philadelphia 76ers with only top 3 protection. In recent years, the Lakers have drafted well with their late first round and second round picks with gems like Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance, Jr.
There is also another motivation to trade him now, as Alex Kennedy stated in Hoops Hype, Williams stands between the Lakers and they're tank effort.
"As previously mentioned, the Lakers have a lot riding on this year's lottery, so moving Williams increases the likelihood that they keep their 2017 and 2019 first-round picks, gives the younger backcourt players more minutes and brings in assets (such as another young player or a pick)."
There is a definite market for reserve point guards who would offer quick and reliable offense like Williams does. He is probably the prototype of what LeBron James was demanding from the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Lakers could also try to package Williams and grab someone like Willie Cauley-Stein, the Sacramento Kings' young back-up center who could easily fit the timeline of the young core. However, both the Cavs and Kings do not have extra first round picks.
There would be other teams who would take interest with Williams who could easily help a contender.
