The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly open to making deals before the February 23 deadline.
The Lakers surprised the basketball world earlier this season when they beat top teams in the league, but have now fallen back to where many expected them to be this season. Los Angeles' current situation makes little sense of exploring the trade market, especially if any potential trades involve pieces of their young core, but according to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, the Lakers are "open" to making deals.
It is still unclear whether the Lakers brass are really into tinkering their lineup and how open are they to making such moves. Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak's has insisted the "future is very bright" in Tinsel town, hinting that Los Angeles may not trade their young talents. However, it is also no secret that the Lakers have a couple of valuable trade chips they could use in any potential trades.
Nick Young
Young has long been touted as an expendable piece in LA, but after somewhat rejuvenating his career playing under Luke Walton, indications point to the Lakers keeping Swaggy P.
A report from Basketball Insiders indicated that it's more likely Young would play out his deal in LA, "mostly because there is no market for him and the Lakers don't see open to trade or changes." The Lakers cannot expect to get a substantial return for the 31-year-old shooting guard, but there are several contenders that could be interested in trading for Young, who is averaging 13.8 points on 44.7 percent shooting from the field, including 41.9 from beyond the arc.
Jose Calderon
Calderon has only been in limited action playing for the Lakers, but the 35-year-old playmaker would still make a good fit to contending teams looking for a backup point guard.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly one of the teams searching in the market for a veteran floor commander who could take some pressure off LeBron James and Kyrie Irving in running the point. According to ESPN's Marc Stein, Calderon are among the players the Cavs are closely monitoring.
"Jose Calderon and Dallas Mavericks center Andrew Bogut, league sources tell ESPN.com, have emerged as two players who greatly interest the Cavs in their search for bench help," Stein reports.
The only concern making a deal with the Cavs is that the defending champs have very limited assets. Jordan McRae and Iman Shumpert have been rumored as possible trade pieces in potential deals, but it is unlikely LA would be interested in adding both players.
Lou Williams
Williams has been the Lakers' best offensive player this season. He has become the team's most consistent and reliable scorer, averaging 18.3 points, while shooting 43.7 percent from the field. While the Lakers would certainly love to keep him around guiding the team's young guns, Williams has a high trade value simply because of his ability to light up the scoreboard.
Contenders would certainly like to have a guy like Williams on their bench, even if it may cost a first-round draft pick. However, Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report finds it difficult for the Lakers to net a first-rounder for Williams and Young, but could be possible acquiring another untapped potential for the service of the veterans.
"The Lakers should at least inquire to see if players like Stanley Johnson, Nerlens Noel, Troy Daniels, James Ennis, John Henson, Jeremy Lamb, Cameron Payne and Ben McLemore are available. That's just a sample of names; some are veterans but most are young players still finding their way in the league," Pincus wrote.
Would Lakers make a deal before the deadline? It remains to be seen. But if changes are needed to make in order to get back on their winning track, expect the Lakers to shop one of these players.
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