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Los Angeles Lakers: Should LA trade or trust ahead of the NBA trade deadline?

By Jacob Doole

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 27: Jordan Clarkson #6 and Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on during the first half of a game against the Toronto Raptors at Staples Center on October 27, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 27: Jordan Clarkson #6 and Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on during the first half of a game against the Toronto Raptors at Staples Center on October 27, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 27: Jordan Clarkson #6 and Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on during the first half of a game against the Toronto Raptors at Staples Center on October 27, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 27: Jordan Clarkson #6 and Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on during the first half of a game against the Toronto Raptors at Staples Center on October 27, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

NBA Trade Rumors: As the 2018 trade deadline draws near, should the Los Angeles Lakers trade or trust in the coming weeks?

The Los Angeles Lakers were in a strange position coming into this season. Despite the hype around Lonzo Ball, the great pre-season play of Kyle Kuzma and the improvement of Brandon Ingram, it seemed like the main focus was elsewhere. That’s because the fan base, media and team management were already looking ahead to the 2018 free agency class.

With Paul George, LeBron James, DeMarcus Cousins and more set to be available next summer, rumours began to fly about potential destinations. As always, a fair chunk of those rumours involved the Lakers.

Suddenly, Paul George desperately wanted to return to his home state of California. Suddenly, LeBron James wanted to be in Hollywood to start building his post-basketball brand (seriously?).

The assumption was that the Lakers would do everything necessary to clear enough cap space for two superstars. This included trading larger contracts and letting all of their free agents walk in the summer.

Fast forward to 2018, and the assumptions are still the same. But a trio of Lakers players, already consigned to the trade table by most, are giving the team’s front office reason to reconsider.

With trade rumours flying, and the February 8 trade deadline fast approaching, it’s time for some tough decisions on the future of the franchise. Those tough decisions start with these three players.

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