The LA Lakers are not in the headlines for NBA trade rumors but they do have an underrated piece.
In an NBA Lockdown podcast, it was mentioned that Lou Williams is the trade piece that could help a contender. Williams could be the playmaker that the Cleveland Cavaliers need.
This sentiment was also echoed by CBS Sports, as Matt Moore named him as the "dream target" for the Cavs.
"This is like adding their own Jamal Crawford. Williams is a poor defender, but for what they're looking for, they can survive long enough. Running Williams at backup combo guard would solve all the bench shot creation issues. He's not a pure point, but he is a multi-talented veteran who gets buckets," Moore said.
However, the Cavaliers do not really have any trade assets to offer the Lakers. As of now, Williams has been the Lakers' best player this season and they really want to cash in on his trade value. It's unlikely that the Lakers would accept Iman Shumpert although he is an upgrade on the defensive end.
There could be other teams interested in Williams as he provides solid scoring off the bench. The Oklahoma City Thunder could use him as a scorer and they could send back Cameron Payne, a reserve point guard for the Lakers' long term (since they already placed Jordan Clarkson at shooting guard).
This deal was suggested by Lakers Nation and it should include a 2nd round pick from OKC. They point out that Williams is already 30 years old and should be playing with contenders, not with a young core that needs to grow. The timelines just don't fit.
In the meantime, Cameron Payne "would give them an intriguing young guard to groom behind Russell. Payne has been somewhat underwhelming, and an OKC first round pick would probably be preferable, but unfortunately they don't have a first rounder they can deal until 2022. With that being the case, this isn't bad value and sends Williams to a place perfectly suited for his talents."
Williams could actually fit with most contenders, even the Golden State Warriors could use him. It's just a matter of who can give value in return.