The Los Angeles Lakers are on a bit of a crossroad right now. On one hand, they have the best record in the Western Conference. On the other, they need to make some moves.
When LeBron James is on the team, you know he’s going to demand nothing but greatness. Hence, there are always going to be some mid-season transactions.
But, even if the Lakers manage to get rid of some of their role players, who could they pursue? Who could they actually get? Let’s take a look at 3 unrealistic and 3 realistic targets for them.
Unrealistic Targets
3. Evan Fournier
Evan Fournier is a perfect fit for the Lakers. He can run the offense if needed and is quite comfortable playing off-ball and knocking down threes as well.
However, the Orlando Magic are trying to put together another playoff run and he’s playing very well, so they’re not likely to accept Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Avery Bradley, Rajon Rondo or Quinn Cook in return.
This season Fournier has posted 19 ppg, 2.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists for the Magic. As stated before, he’s a great 3-point shooter, averaging 40.6 from beyond the arc this season.
2. Robert Covington
Robert Covington is reportedly on every contending’s team radar and that doesn’t come as a surprise, as he’s one of the ultimate 3-and-D players in the league right now.
However, the Minnesota Timberwolves would only be willing to part ways with him on a deal that includes Kyle Kuzma, and the Lakers have been reluctant to trade him. Covington is recording 12.6 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.2 assist per game this campaign.
1. Bogdan Bogdanovic
Luke Walton and the Sacramento Kings are reportedly interested in trading for Kyle Kuzma and they would be willing to let go of free-agent-to-be Bogdan Bogdanovic to make that happen.
Nonetheless, it’s unlikely that Rob Pelinka is going to trade away another young player when he could just wait until the summer to pursue Bogdanovic as a free agent instead.
This year he’s averaging 14.5 points, 3 rebounds and 3.6 assists with the Kings, along with a decent 38.3 percentage from deep.
Realistic Targets
3. Derrick Rose
Derrick Rose is having his best averages per 36 minutes since his MVP season. His confidence is back, his shot is back, and his athleticism never left in the first place.
The Detroit Pistons are weeks away from entering rebuilding mode so they need as many expiring deals as they could get, so the Lakers could make a run at Rose without giving away too much. D-Rose is giving a second youth with the Pistons, recording 17.8 points, 2.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists, shooting 32.7% from 3.
2. Davis Bertans
Davis Bertans is having a bit of a breakout season, becoming one of the deadliest sharpshooters in the league, showing unlimited range and great rebounding ability.
Bertans is going to be a free agent at the end of the summer so the Wizards must move him and get something in return while they still can. In 29 games with the Wizards, Bertans is averaging 15.3 points, 5 rebounds and 1.7 assists per outing, while shooting 43.2 percentage from deep.
1. JJ Redick
JJ Redick has never missed the playoffs on his career and he’s definitely not looking forward to doing so this season. Also, the Pelicans are stacked at the shooting guard spot.
New Orleans will likely trade him prior to the deadline as they look to focus on developing young players, and his sharpshooting skills would be a perfect fit for Frank Vogel’s offense. Also, they could get Rajon Rondo back as a mentor, plus Quinn Cook and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
Reddick is posting 15.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2 assists per outing and a very impressive 46.4% from beyond the arc with the Pelicans this year.
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