The Washington Wizards could look at Los Angeles Lakers super-sub Lou Williams as a trade target before the February 23 deadline.
The Wizards were able to immediately right their ship after a disappointing start to the season. Many see Washington as sellers earlier this season, but with the team now sitting third in the Eastern Conference, the Wizards are expected to buy someone in the trade market.
According to Kevin Ding of Bleacher Report, the Wizards are looking to add a backcourt piece like Lou Williams, who can create his own shots and help provide spark on the team's second unit.
"So with Washington having found a rhythm under new head coach Scott Brooks, Grunfeld is looking for a guard just like Lou Williams, who can create his own shots and get to the foul line in slugfest playoff games-and has the nerve to want the ball in those moments. Williams (18.3 points per game) is also a good shooter who can spot up when defenders are smothering John Wall," Ding wrote.
Williams, who has been the Lakers most reliable scorer this season, is a scoring machine that could serve as a sure firepower off the bench for the Wizards. A second unit led by Williams and a returning Ian Mahinmi should help Washington push deeper in the postseason barring any injuries and setbacks to the team's core players.
Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak has told SportNet's Mike Bresnahan earlier this year that Los Angeles is "not actively trying to do something." However, according to Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype, the Lakers will strongly consider moving one or more of their veteran players.
"Despite head coach Luke Walton's negative comments about tanking, executives believe the Lakers will strongly consider this route. If they do, other teams will certainly be calling about L.A.'s veterans," Kennedy wrote.
With the Lakers likely to miss the playoffs for the third-straight year, it is not possible they clear some space to make a run at top players come free agency. Williams has great value to contenders looking to bolster their lineup ahead of the postseason, although it remains to be seen whether the Lakers would consider moving their best scorer.
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