LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 17: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to a play with teammate Avery Bradley #20 during the fourth quarter against the Utah Jazz at Crypto.com Arena on January 17, 2022 in Los Angeles, California, NBA Trades: 5 rumored Los Angeles Lakers trade targets. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Just over halfway through the 2021-22 NBA season, it seems safe to say that things have not gone according to plan for the Los Angeles Lakers.
LA currently occupies the eighth spot in the Western Conference standings with a measly 22-23 record. Given the sheer amount of star power on this roster, with players like LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, and Anthony Daivs (though he has missed significant time due to injury), this team has drastically underperformed thus far. They are currently a play-in team and could very well be in danger of missing the playoffs if they continue struggling on a game-to-game basis.
The Los Angeles Lakers must look to bolster their roster with NBA trades before the February 10 deadline
As the Lakers look to get back on the right track, they have been featured heavily in the rumor mill leading up to the trade deadline. One source for this information is Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, who reported four household names that the Lakers have called about before the deadline.
The Lakers should leave no stone unturned in their quest to improve over the next few weeks, which sets the stage for a busy trade deadline ahead. In fact, this could be a make or break period for the Lakers as they look to salvage their season, and any of these targets could be the answer.
With that said, we will break down those four rumored targets mentioned by Pincus and a bonus player mentioned as a suitor by a different source to see whether or not the purple and gold have a legitimate shot to acquire any of them.
Los Angeles </a>Lakers.</p>
<p>LA currently occupies the eighth spot in the Western Conference standings with a measly 22-23 record. Given the sheer amount of star power on this roster, with players like LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, and Anthony Daivs (though he has missed significant time due to injury), this team has drastically underperformed thus far. They are currently a play-in team and could very well be in danger of missing the playoffs if they continue struggling on a game-to-game basis.</p>
<h2>The Los Angeles Lakers must look to bolster their roster with NBA trades before the February 10 deadline</h2>
<p>As the Lakers look to get back on the right track, they have been featured heavily in the rumor mill leading up to the trade deadline. One source for this information is Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, who reported four household names that the <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/22/nba-trades-los-angeles-lakers/"https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2952581-fire-vogel-what-the-la-lakers-really-need-is-close-to-impossible" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lakers have called about before the deadline.</a></p>
<p>The Lakers should leave no stone unturned in their quest to improve over the next few weeks, which sets the stage for a busy trade deadline ahead. In fact, this could be a make or break period for the Lakers as they look to salvage their season, and any of these targets could be the answer.</p>
<p>With that said, we will break down those four rumored targets mentioned by Pincus and a bonus player mentioned as a suitor by a different source to see whether or not the purple and gold have a legitimate shot to acquire any of them.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/22/nba-trades-los-angeles-lakers/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 1 </a>
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<img class="wp-image-437071 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/22/nba-trades-los-angeles-lakers/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1347816990.jpeg" alt="NBA Trades, Los Angeles Lakers" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1347816990.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1347816990-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">PORTLAND, OREGON – OCTOBER 20: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Sacramento Kings reacts after his three point basket against the Portland Trail Blazers during the third quarter at Moda Center on October 20, 2021 in Portland, Oregon, NBA Trades: 5 rumored Los Angeles Lakers trade targets. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA Trades: Lakers rumored trade target breakdown – Harrison Barnes</h2>
<p>One surprising played to be linked to the Lakers by Pincus is Harrison Barnes, currently a member of the Sacramento Kings. With Sacramento featured heavily in the rumor mill with very few of the players on their roster seemingly safe in NBA trades, LA’s due diligence regarding Barnes is justifiable.</p>
<p>Barnes has been a quality veteran in this league for the past decade, serving as a starting power forward on the Golden State Warriors’ 2015 championship team. Over the past three and a half seasons with Sacramento, Barnes has been a solid rotational piece by averaging 15.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per contest.</p>
<p>Looking at his hypothetical fit with the Lakers, Barnes is capable of playing either forward spot and providing offense while providing serviceable defense. The 29-year-old would be an easy fit with LA’s other top players, such as LeBron James and Anthony Davis, giving them the boost that they need now more than ever.</p>
<p>While Barnes makes sense for the Lakers, his salary makes it tough to envision a deal coming to fruition. The forward is on the books for approximately $20 million this season, and Los Angeles would have to do some serious negotiating to piece together a desirable package.</p>
<p>It also does not bode well for the Lakers that they reportedly <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/22/nba-trades-los-angeles-lakers/"https://theathletic.com/2848702/2021/09/27/superstar-shopping-lebron-russell-westbrook-and-the-lakers-summer-of-recruiting/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">left the Kings angered after backing out of a deal</a><strong> (subscription required)</strong>the two teams had in place for Buddy Hield this past offseason in favor of Westbrook, as reported by The Athletic’s Bill Oram, Shams Charania, and Sam Amick.</p>
<p>That may make the Kings hesitant to work with the Lakers again, but who knows. If they let bygones be bygones and work something out, Barnes would be a great addition to the Lakers.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/22/nba-trades-los-angeles-lakers/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 2 </a>
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<img class="wp-image-438854 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/22/nba-trades-los-angeles-lakers/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2135,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1354539801.jpeg" alt="NBA Trades, Los Angeles Lakers" width="3200" height="2135" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1354539801.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1354539801-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 20: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers reacts after a dunk in the game against the New Orleans Pelicans during the third quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on November 20, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA Trades: Lakers rumored trade target breakdown – Myles Turner</h2>
<p>Since The Athletic’s Shams Charania and Bob Kravitz reported in December that the <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/22/nba-trades-los-angeles-lakers/"https://theathletic.com/3003299/2021/12/07/pacers-potentially-move-to-rebuild-receptive-to-trade-talks-on-caris-levert-domantas-sabonis-myles-turner-sources/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indiana Pacers could look to enter a rebuild this year</a> <strong>(subscription required)</strong>, Myles Turner has received interest league-wide. Pincus noted in his piece that the Lakers are among teams that have called about his availability, and he would be a justifiable trade target for them to pursue.</p>
<p>Turner would be the perfect big man for the Los Angeles Lakers. Dwight Howard and DeAndre Jordan have had their share of struggles staying in the rotation this season, forcing James to play more center since Davis went down with an injury.</p>
<p>Obviously, James can not consistently play these hefty minutes at the position, and it is well-known that Davis prefers to play the four rather than the five. Turner is a potential answer, as he could be the big man they need to solve both issues.</p>
<p>The 25-year-old would provide a formidable presence down low with elite shot-blocking, as he currently leads the league in blocks. Once Davis is healthy, these two could be a nightmarish duo for opposing offenses. The forward would also bring versatility on offense as he can do damage close to the rim or stretch the floor. Overall, he would be a great overall fit on both ends.</p>
<p>Once again, the problem with acquiring Turner is his salary. Making $17.5 million this season and the next, the Lakers would have to jump through some hoops to get a deal done. It does not help that they are also short on desirable assets that would gauge Indiana’s interest.</p>
<p>Though Turner would help turn things around, it seems unlikely that the Lakers can actually acquire him due to their shortage of assets. Talen Horton-Tucker and Kendrick Nunn could be interesting with other pieces attacked, but it would be shocking to see the Pacers interested in such a package alone.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/22/nba-trades-los-angeles-lakers/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 3 </a>
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<img class="wp-image-440877 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/22/nba-trades-los-angeles-lakers/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1345236777.jpeg" alt="NBA Trades, Los Angeles Lakers" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1345236777.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1345236777-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">DETROIT, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 06: Jerami Grant #9 of the Detroit Pistons reacts during a preseason game against the San Antonio Spurs at Little Caesars Arena on October 06, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan, NBA Trades: 5 rumored Los Angeles Lakers trade targets. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA Trades: Lakers rumored trade target breakdown – Jerami Grant</h2>
<p>Many view Jerami Grant as the hottest commodity on the trade market right now, and, of course, the Lakers have been linked to him as a result. Their interest makes sense, given that the versatile forward could solve many of their issues on impact.</p>
<p>Defensively, Grant is the piece that could help the Lakers right the ship, as the 6-foot-8 forward can guard multiple positions at a high level. He would alleviate significant pressure off of James and Davis by taking on top-tier assignments nightly.</p>
<p>Offensively, Grant has averaged north of 20 points in each of the past two seasons, and although his shot attempts would regress as the fourth option on this team, he is still capable of being a double-digit scorer. A two-way player with the stature of Grant could be the perfect boost this LA team needs right now.</p>
<p>Of course, the biggest problem the Lakers will face in any deal for Grant is his salary. On the books for $20 million this season and $20.1 million next season, the purple and gold will face an uphill battle trying to make a compelling offer.</p>
<p>Once again, Horton-Tucker and Nunn could be a decent place to start, but the Detroit Pistons will certainly want more for a player that is among the top stars being shopped before the deadline. It is no secret that opposing teams can offer more than the Lakers can for Grant, but that should not stop them from making a strong push.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/22/nba-trades-los-angeles-lakers/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 4 </a>
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<img class="wp-image-440871 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/22/nba-trades-los-angeles-lakers/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1067,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1299463712.jpeg" alt="NBA Trades, Los Angeles Lakers" width="1600" height="1067" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1299463712.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1299463712-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 27: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers tries to pass over Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on January 27, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, NBA Trades: 5 rumored Los Angeles Lakers trade targets. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA Trades: Lakers rumored trade target breakdown – Ben Simmons</h2>
<p>Ben Simmons is the target that has had people talking the most. The disgruntled All-Star has not played a game for the Philadelphia 76ers this season, as they continue exploring avenues to trade him, and Pincus notes that the Lakers have toyed with the idea of pursuing him.</p>
<p>Unlike any of the other players mentioned on this list, Simmons is not exactly easy to imagine in a purple and gold jersey due to his questionable fit on this roster. Sure, he would help improve their defense, but one of the biggest gripes with Simmons is that he does not shoot jump shots and is unable to space the floor.</p>
<p>The Lakers have had their problems with Westbrook this season due to his inability to shoot the basketball, which has created spacing issues. Simmons would not help these issues whatsoever. In fact, he would arguably make them worse.</p>
<p>In addition to his on-court fit, the question remains how the Lakers would even possibly go about trading for Simmons. The guard is currently in the second year of a five-year contract extension worth $177 million, and the only logical pathway to add that to the payroll would be trading their current point guard in Westbrook to the 76ers.</p>
<p>While the Lakers would surely like to move him, the 76ers would hang up the phone the second his name was mentioned. Philadelphia has held firm in their belief that they can net a superstar haul in return for Simmons, and someone like Westbrook does not fit that billwhatsoever.</p>
<p>Do not expect any talks regarding Simmons and the Lakers to materialize into something genuine over the next few weeks.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/22/nba-trades-los-angeles-lakers/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 5 </a>
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<img class="wp-image-440875 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/22/nba-trades-los-angeles-lakers/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2139,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1363478337.jpeg" alt="NBA Trades, Los Angeles Lakers" width="3200" height="2139" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1363478337.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1363478337-768x513.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">TORONTO, ON – JANUARY 7: Gary Trent Jr. #33 of the Toronto Raptors looks on against the Utah Jazz during the second half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on January 7, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, NBA Trades: 5 rumored Los Angeles Lakers trade targets. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>NBA Trades: Lakers rumored trade target breakdown – Gary Trent Jr.</h2>
<p>This one turned some heads when it was reported. According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Lakers<a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/22/nba-trades-los-angeles-lakers/"https://hoopshype.com/lists/nba-trade-deadline-preview-lakers-celtics-bulls-hawks-rockets-clippers-thunder-mavs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> have expressed interest in Gary Trent Jr.</a> of the Toronto Raptors. Scotto notes that LA was just doing its due diligence, but any trade conversations involving the 23-year-old would almost certainly never get off the ground.</p>
<p>Hypothetically, Trent would be a seamless fit with the Lakers. The guard is having a career year in Toronto by averaging 16.4 points while shooting 36.8 percent from three. Trent’s stellar shooting would help this Lakers team mightily by giving them another reliable threat out on the perimeter. For a team with Westbrook, the more stellar three-point shooters behind the arc, the better.</p>
<p>Among all the players on this list, Trent’s salary is the most team-friendly as he is in the first year of a three-year deal worth $51 million. Still, the Raptors likely won’t be trading their young shooting guard away anytime soon.</p>
<p>Not only is Trent’s potential through the roof at such a young age, but the Lakers do not have any assets that would entice the Raptors whatsoever. If LA called to see if Trent was available, it was likely a short conversation between the two sides.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="Breaking down the Lakers’ trade assets, untouchables, & more" data-url="https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/01/los-angeles-lakers-trade-assets/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/22/nba-trades-los-angeles-lakers/"https://hoopshabit.com/2022/01/01/los-angeles-lakers-trade-assets/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> Breaking down the Lakers’ trade assets, untouchables, & more </a> </div>
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