3 players Los Angeles Lakers should trade for before the deadline

Despite losing four straight games, the Los Angeles Lakers are still leading all Western Conference teams by a decent margin. However, the realization that major heavylifting on the offensive and defensive end of the floor is severely concentrated between two guys, does not resonate promise in the long run. And for a team looking to make a legit postseason run, the Lakers roster seems a bit dysfunctional at the moment.

As of late, the purple-and-gold have not been playing like the championship contenders we all think them to be. Once the focus moves past the two generational superstars in Anthony Davis and LeBron James, the team fails to make a solid case for a deep playoff run down the stretch. Apparently, the front office gave up a ton of assets to bag AD, resulting in a glaring lack of moving pieces in order to land another major component for the roster.

With limited options at their disposal, the Lakers camp desperately needs to incorporate key role players who can take some of the load off their stars in a way that the current unit hasn't been able to. On that note, let's take a look at three individuals that the front office should target as we inch towards the February trade deadline.

#1 JJ Redick

Redick brings the professionalism needed to win a championship

JJ Redick's switch to New Orleans hasn't exactly panned out the way he's have expected. The team possesses the second worst record of the West, and seems far removed from a surefire playoff contending unit.

If only the Lakers could land the sharp shooter in exchange for young talents, cap fillers and future picks, it'll fortify the shooting ends for a pass-first point guard like LeBron. A cold-hearted clutch bucket maker in Redick is what the team needs down the stretch, as his long-range prowess would draw considerable interest and space the floor for AD and Bron.

The 35-year-old veteran is shooting a lights out 46% from beyond the arc this season so far, while averaging almost 16 points per game for the ailing Pelicans lineup.

#2 Marcus Morris

Marcus carries an unyielding energy to the squad he joins.

Marcus Morris would provide for an amazing 3-and-D forward that the LA roster is missing at the moment. He brings the mental toughness needed to win crunch games, and backs his killer mentality with elite scoring talent. His role in elevating the Boston Celtics followed by the dominance in the Big Apple cannot be ignored. Although late in his career, Morris has hit his prime nonetheless.

The 30-year-old is averaging a career-high 18.6 points per game right now, and making over 46% of his three-pointers. To land a player of his caliber in the middle of his career-year would be a steal like none other for the Lakers' front office.

Moreover, now that the New York Knicks have made him available, the Lakers camp needs to put together a meticulously prepared package to lure him in before time runs out.

#3 Dennis Schroder

Schroder would be an offensive upgrade over Rondo.

Shooting almost 47% from the field, Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Dennis Schroder is scoring at a blazing average of 18.4 points per game so far. Further observation of his playing style provides ample proof that he is more than capable of taking some offensive load off Bron and AD's shoulders. He is also be a reliable floor general who can create his own shot, something that would be pivotal in giving more breathers to this dynamic duo.

Schroder is one of the better available pieces on the trade that will fit right in the Lakers scheme of things without any hassle. Moreover, the Thunder would also be inclined to part ways with the German's contract and get some young talent in exchange.

Again, the dearth of assets may prevent this transaction from happening but the Lakers should pull out all stops, for this will be a hell of a boost to their nascent title hopes.

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Edited by S Chowdhury