NBA 2019-20: 3 reasons why the Los Angeles Lakers are unlikely to make any trades this season

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers currently top the Western Conference standings
LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers currently top the Western Conference standings

Teams around the NBA have just a week remaining to make trades ahead of the February trade deadline. Andre Drummond, Danilo Gallinari, and Marcus Morris are some of the big names being linked with a late move to a contending team, and much of the NBA is believed to making moves ahead of the deadline.

Among them is the Los Angeles Lakers, who have surged to the top of the Western Conference standings following the offseason addition of Anthony Davis. With a 36-10 record, the Lakers are among the favorites to advance from the West - and recent reports have suggested that the front office could look to bring in someone such as Derrick Rose ahead of the trade deadline.

With that said, LA's interest may not materialize into an actual deal, and here we will take a look at the three reasons why the Lakers are unlikely to make any trades this season.


#1 The front office is content with the current roster

Dwight Howard is among the players that have made a better impact than expected
Dwight Howard is among the players that have made a better impact than expected

While some may argue that the LA Clippers have a better roster, the Lakers' roster is undoubtedly among the best in the NBA. The front office managed to address many of their shortcomings during a terrific 2019 offseason, and Frank Vogel's team is now stacked at virtually every position.

At center, the Lakers can call upon JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard - while DeMarcus Cousins could also return for the postseason. Meanwhile, Danny Green has proved to be an excellent wing addition, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is shooting 43 percent from three-point range. With Rajon Rondo, Quinn Cook, and Alex Caruso - the Lakers also have plenty of options in the backcourt - and the team should feel no real urgency to make a move.

Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers asked for Bogdan Bogdanovic in return for Kyle Kuzma, Sacramento said no

#2 Intense competition from rival teams

Derrick Rose is among the players that have been linked with the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of the deadline
Derrick Rose is among the players that have been linked with the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of the deadline

Over the past month, it has been heavily reported that the Lakers have interest in Derrick Rose and Robert Covington, however, any prospect of a trade is complicated by the fact that both players are attracting extensive interest from around the NBA.

With the demand for 3-and-D wings at an all-time high, Covington is also attracting attention from the Clippers, Mavericks, Rockets, and 76ers. Meanwhile, following his resurgent season with the Detroit Pistons, the Clippers and Sixers are believed to be among those tracking Rose - and the 2011 MVP has also stated his desire to remain in Detroit for the remainder of the campaign.

Sure, the Lakers could push hard and complete a deal for either player if they wanted to, although the front office has no reason to panic - and there is no reason to believe that they will be willing to overpay to land either Rose or Covington.

#3 Andre Iguodala's likely buyout

Andre Iguodala has not played since the 2019 NBA Finals
Andre Iguodala has not played since the 2019 NBA Finals

During a memorable six-year stint with the Golden State Warriors, Andre Iguodala played a significant role as the team reached five consecutive NBA Finals between 2015 and 2019. Iguodala's impact on both ends of the court earned many plaudits, although the Warriors opted to trade the veteran to the Memphis Grizzlies last summer as they cleared the necessary cap-space to sign D'Angelo Russell.

Iguodala has worked away from the rebuilding Grizzlies as they work on a trade - although it appears increasingly unlikely that the veteran will be traded ahead of the deadline. Due to this, Iguodala is the NBA's most intriguing buyout target, and recent reports have suggested that the veteran would like to move to Los Angeles.

Iguodala's playoff experience combined with his ability to lock down opposing players would provide the Lakers' postseason hopes with a huge boost, and it is likely that they will stay quiet at the trade deadline and hope that Iguodala agrees to a buyout with the Grizzlies.

Also read: New NBA All-Star Game format makes every quarter count for Chicago charities

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