LA Lakers trade rumors: 5 players who could wear Purple & Gold before NBA trade deadline

The LA Lakers are one star away from being a complete team this season, but they need to make moves quickly as time isn't on their side. Rumors have started to circulate as to who the third player could be, and it looks like there aren't a ton of options.

The Lakers (10-8) have done well for themselves, but their depth needs to be addressed soon. The team has relied on LeBron James and Anthony Davis heavily, which is how it's been able to still be competitive. However, trading for another significant player could make things easier for the team moving forward.

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Expert believes Rui Hachimura and D'Angelo Russell are valuable trade assets for the LA Lakers

The LA Lakers have been rumored to be on the trade market for a player to help their chances at winning this season. NBA insider Michael Scotto reported that both Rui Hachimura and D'Angelo Russell are valuable trade assets for the team:

"Rival NBA executives who spoke with HoopsHype believe D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura are two potential trade candidates to watch," Scotto reported.

Both players were re-signed over the summer and won't be available to be traded now. Russell's trade availability won't be until Dec. 15, while Hachimura won't be available until Jan. 15 as he re-signed using Bird rights along with a 20% raise in salary.

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#5 Bojan Bogdanovic

Bojan Bogdanovic is being underutilized by the Detroit Pistons as the team are an NBA-worst 2-15. Bogdanovic could be a player the Lakers could pursue as they try to address their wing situation.

The LA Lakers won't be able to trade for him until Dec 15, since that will be the date some of their tradeable assets will be available.

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#4 John Konchar

The Lakers have been rumored to be interested in pursuing the veteran wing player. Although Konchar hasn't had the best season with the Memphis Grizzlies, multiple teams have shown interest in trading for him.

"Reserve forward John Konchar is also a candidate to be dealt before the February trade deadline," Michael Scotto wrote. "The [Boston] Celtics, [Golden State] Warriors, and Lakers are among the teams who’ve kept tabs on Konchar’s situation from afar, HoopsHype has learned."

Konchar could add a boost defensively.

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#3 Alex Caruso

Los Angeles has hinted at the possibility of a reunion with Alex Caruso this season. The veteran guard is on a losing team, and it's likely that the Chicago Bulls could blow their current team up soon.

The team is interested in trading for Caruso as his defense is extremely valuable and the Lakers could gamble in trading for him.

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#2 DeMar DeRozan

The veteran star's time with the Bulls looks to be over as the team is languishing at 5-14 after losing eight of its last nine games. DeMar DeRozan is one of the players on the Lakers' radar, which could mean the team might make a huge midseason deal.

"If additional Bulls players become available, the Lakers would also have interest in DeMar DeRozan and/or former Laker Alex Caruso, according to multiple team sources." Jovan Buha of The Athletic reported.

DeRozan is averaging 21.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists this season.

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#1 Zach LaVine

The LA Lakers have named Zach LaVine as their top priority this season when it comes to trade. However, the team's refusal to give up Austin Reaves could be a significant factor in making the deal possible.

"I expect them to express interest in Zach LaVine ... To this point, the Lakers have not been inclined to move Austin Reaves," Shams Charania reported.

The Bulls will have to wait until Jan 15, until they can get a decent return package.

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