Lakers Trade Rumors: 3 things to expect before the trade deadline

Ever since the final years of Kobe Bryant's tenure in Los Angeles, the Lakers have been carefully planning their return to the top of the NBA. The organization's plan kicked into effect when the team managed to acquire LeBron James last summer, and there is no debating that the Lakers have drastically improved on the court since the addition of the NBA's biggest star.

While the Lakers have recently struggled due to a number of injuries, (most notably to James) the team is still in contention to reach the postseason for the first time in more than half a decade. The team has substantially improved upon their 35-47 record from the 17/18 season, although the Lakers still need to add one or two players in order to improve their chances of reaching the postseason.

The Lakers evidently have eyes on this summer's upcoming free agency, however, the team is still likely to be active in the trade market this week, and here we will discuss three things to expect.

#3 The team will add another veteran

After the summer acquisition of LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers were expected to add a number of stars around the NBA's best player. Nevertheless, Magic Johnson turned his attention to recruiting a number of veterans including JaVale McGee, Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson, and Tyson Chandler.

It is no secret that the Lakers still want to add another All-Star, however, the acquisition of veteran players is much more likely ahead of the deadline. Signing players to minimum deals will not hinder the Lakers free agency plans, and there a number of experienced players around the NBA that can help the Lakers until the end of the season, such as Carmelo Anthony from the Bulls.

#2 The entire Lakers Young Core will remain

Golden State Warriors v Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers have been linked with a number of All-Stars ahead of the deadline, although if the Lakers were to pull off a deal, the team would have to lose at least one member of their young core. This young core consists of the quartet of Josh Hart, Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Kyle Kuzma, however, despite all the recent speculation, it remains unlikely that any of the core will leave in the next seven days.

Ball is currently out with a six-week injury, Ingram's value is at an all-time low, and the Lakers have already rejected a trade offer from the Phoenix Suns for Hart. In addition to this, Kyle Kuzma has been the Lakers' second best performer this season, and the team will only be willing to use him in a trade for Anthony Davis. Ultimately, this means that the young core will in all likelihood stick around until the summer.

#1 No Second Star

Cleveland Cavaliers v New Orleans Pelicans

It was revealed earlier in the week that Anthony Davis had requested a trade away from the New Orleans Pelicans, however, the latest update on the situation from ESPN does not make good reading for Lakers fans:

As of now, the Pelicans see no reason to deliver Davis to the Lakers in a deal with a full season left on his contract, never mind do it on a timeline that benefits mostly the objectives of Los Angeles and Davis.

The Lakers will be willing to include at least two members of the previously talked about young core, however, the Pelicans will be in no rush to make a deal. This is due to the fact that the Celtics will be able to put together a better trade package once Kyrie Irving becomes exempt from the 'Rose Rule', and the Pelicans will be hoping to start a bidding war between the Lakers and Celtics.

This means that Anthony Davis could still land on the Lakers this summer, however, a move is not going to happen ahead of the trade deadline.

Edited by Sudeshna Banerjee