NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers linked to two big-name point guards ahead of deadline
NBA Trade Rumors: In an attempt to make a big splash at the NBA Trade Deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to two big-name point guards.
It’s hard to envision the Los Angeles Lakers making a substantial move up the Western Conference standings without making a significant splash at the NBA Trade Deadline. And with the trade deadline less than a month out, the clock is ticking for the front office if they have any hope of salvaging the season.
There are many names that the Lakers have been linked to over the last few weeks but it remains to be seen who exactly the team will explore a move for in the coming weeks. According to a recent report, there are at least two more names that we can add to that list. And they’re both big-name point guards.
Per USA Today’s Jeff Zillgitt, the Lakers have been linked to both Toronto Raptors point guard Fred VanVleet and Maimi Heat point guard Kyle Lowry. Both are potential names that could get the fanbase excited for the stretch run, but there are (as you would expect) obstacles to both players.
Which trade target is most likely for the Los Angeles Lakers?
That leads me to the question, which is the point guard that would seem the most likely for the Lakers to land ahead of the trade deadline?
That’s not really an easy question to answer for very different reasons. For one, the difficulty in landing VanVleet revolves around putting together a package that would appease the Raptors. Any deal for VanVleet likely involves both the Lakers’ trade-eligible future first-round picks. I’m not sure the Lakers would be so open to making such a move.
As for Lowry, the Lakers would have to part ways with Russell Westbrook. And with how well he’s played off the bench for the team, I’m also not sure that’s something the team will want to change – especially for a player that may or may not make a huge impact for the team. Lowry is far from a guarantee at this point in his career.
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The Lakers have some big questions to answer at the NBA Trade Deadline and until it passes, we won’t really know what the big picture plan is for this team moving forward. Though, at least from the outside looking in, it appears they’re going to try to make a big splash. Whether or not they end up being successful remains to be seen.