Lakers find unlikely help from the Kings
Another option for the Los Angeles Lakers if they want to make a smaller type of deal is calling the Sacramento Kings up and asking about Harrison Barnes. The emergence of Keegan Murray makes Barnes somewhat expendable. And considering he’s an expiring contract after this season, it would not be surprising at all if Sacramento decided to move him at the trade deadline.
Even though Barnes is not the player that he used to be during his prime, he’s kind of the ideal player you want to play next to Anthony Davis and LeBron James in the frontcourt. He could help take some of the defensive pressure off LeBron and is historically an above-average 3-point shooter.
You would have to assume that salary filler and a future first-round pick would be enough for the Kings to move forward with this deal. This could be one of the most realistic small deals the Lakers could explore.