3 NBA stars that the LA Lakers could land before the end of 2018

After a rocky start to the 18/19 NBA season, the LA Lakers are finally looking to be a competitive team in the Western Conference. After five consecutive seasons with losing records, LeBron James' presence alone should be enough to guide the Lakers to the playoffs this season.

Despite this, the Lakers are not close to competing with the likes of the Warriors and new additions will be needed so that the Lakers can be competitive when the playoffs begin. So here are three players that the Lakers could realistically land before the end of 2018.

#3 Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony's Rockets career lasted just 10 games

Unlike the other trade options on this list, the LA Lakers would not need to give up any valuable assets in order to sign Carmelo Anthony. He was recently told by the Houston Rockets to find a new team, and the 34-year-old is a longtime close friend of LeBron James.

During his brief spell in Houston, Melo showed that he is willing to play from the bench, despite being adamant against it during his time with the Thunder. Rumours claim that the Lakers have some interest in the 10-time All-Star, so don't be surprised if Anthony signs on a minimum 1-year deal.

#2 Kyle Korver

Korver averaged 9.2 points per game last season

The Lakers have rolled with a mix of youth and seasoned veterans for the 18/19 season. It has led to an impressive start, and the franchise is now reportedly targeting 37-year-old Kyle Korver.

Korver was a teammate with LeBron James last season in Cleveland, and the Lakers reportedly want the veteran because he is a career 43.1 percent three-point shooter. Korver is not featuring regularly for the Cavaliers this season, and this could be a good pick-up for the Lakers.

#1 Bradley Beal

Beal is reportedly surplus to requirements at the Washington Wizards

Bradley Beal has spent his entire career with the Washington Wizards since being drafted to the franchise back in 2012. The Wizards had hoped that the partnership of Beal and John Wall would result in the team becoming serious contenders, but this never happened, as the team regularly suffered an early playoff exit. After starting the season with a 5-11 record, reports have claimed that Washington is now looking to trade Beal and Wall.

Beal is still just 25, and his contract should allow the Lakers to still sign a max-player in 2019. The Lakers are reportedly interested in signing Beal, and the shooting guard would significantly increase the team's chances of having a deep run in the playoffs this season. The team is currently too reliant on LeBron James, and if Magic Johnson can make a deal happen, it will put the Lakers in a position to at least reach the Western Conference semi-finals.