The LA Lakers seem intent on developing their young core but they managed to set themselves up for a big trade down the line. Thus, NBA trade rumors still continue to speculate on their target.
In a previous report, it was pointed out by salary cap expert Eric Pincus of Basketball Insiders that the "creative contract" the Lakers offered to Yi Jianlian has made him a valuable trade chip later in the season. The soonest that Yi can be traded is December 15 since he is a free agent signed using the salary cap.
Yi's contract can allow the Lakers to absorb up to 12 million in cap space and they can include this amount in a package to trade for a max player. Teams over the cap can trade for Yi and then wave him for a minimal amount (since the contract is incentive based, even lower than half a million dollars) giving them up to $11.8 million in salary cap relief.
There is one team that could possibly use this trade in order to free up cap room for their intended free agent pursuit and that's the Miami Heat, and one possible target for the Lakers is Chris Bosh.
Any conversation regarding Chris Bosh today will start and end with his health. As of now, Bosh is inactive since his condition requires him to take blood thinners, the use of which could be fatal for a professional athlete.
There are more signs from the Miami front that Bosh would return soon. In this UPI article, Bosh had a video to respond to questions about him being a "hooper." There was also a tweet from Heat owner Mickey Arison which read, "Looking good CB look forward to seeing in camp."
If Bosh is indeed healthy, the Lakers should do well to try and trade for him. Bosh's skill set is perfect for a team that wants to employ a faster pace. Bosh has three-point range and is quick enough to defend opposing big men.
The Lakers trade offer will most likely center on Julius Randle and Yi Jianlian. Randle is often mentioned as the "next Lamar Odom." Odom is a player that Riley really liked and if Randle does develop into that type of player, Riley would take interest.
Of course, this is all on the assumption that Bosh is healthy. No trades will ever happen involving Bosh unless this is very clear.