Los Angeles Lakers Rumors: Lakers could trade for Derrick Rose, update on Anthony Davis' future and more

The Los Angeles Lakers entered the season among the favorites to advance from the Western Conference, although Frank Vogel's team has performed even better than expected. At the midpoint stage of the season, the Lakers top the West with a 34-8 record, and only Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks possess a better record.

It is increasingly likely the Lakers will secure the conference's No 1 seed, although the likes of the LA Clippers, Houston Rockets, and Utah Jazz could provide stiff competition in the postseason. Due to this, the Lakers front office could be active ahead of the trade deadline, and here we will take a look at all the latest rumors you need to know.

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#1 Lakers willing to trade almost anyone on the roster ahead of the deadline

LeBron James and Anthony Davis are the only two players that the Lakers are not willing to trade

The Lakers have been the standout team in the West since the opening week of the season, and while LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been instrumental, the likes of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, JaVale McGee, and Alex Caruso have also made big impacts.

However, while the supporting cast has performed better than expected, the Los Angeles Times is reporting that the front office remains open to trading every member of its roster aside from James and Davis:

That’s why Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka is prepared to trade anyone on the roster, except Davis and LeBron James, if it means filling a gap the Lakers need in order to win a championship, according to a person familiar with his thinking.

Kyle Kuzma has been among the LA stars linked with a mid-season exit, while it is possible that Quinn Cook and Troy Daniels could also be among the players to leave due to a lack of minutes.

#2 Derrick Rose is a potential target ahead of the trade deadline

Derrick Rose has been excellent since signing for the Pistons last summer

While the Detroit Pistons' have endured an underwhelming season, Derrick Rose has continued his late-career resurgence. Despite primarily appearing from the bench, the former MVP has been Detroit's best and most consistent performer, and Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports is reporting that the Lakers are among the teams interested in signing the point guard:

The Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers and multiple teams with championship aspirations have expressed interest in trading for Detroit Pistons guard Derrick Rose, league sources told Yahoo Sports. The Lakers and Sixers are in search of point guard assistance for the stretch run, sources said.

After impressing during a year long spell with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Rose signed a two-year, $15 million with the Pistons last summer. The point guard has made 38 appearances this season, averaging 18.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game - although it is believed that the Pistons will be sellers ahead of the deadline.

#3 Anthony Davis is expected to remain with the Lakers

Anthony Davis has made a huge impact for the Lakers

Anthony Davis' future with the Lakers was bought into question earlier this month after he reportedly turned down a four-year, $146 million max contract extension. Davis is expected to opt-out of the final year of his contract to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, although The Athletic is reporting that the 26-year-old is still likely to resign with the Lakers:

Davis might pass on a five-year contract in favor of a three-year deal with a player option in the third year, similar to the contract Kawhi Leonard signed with the Clippers last summer. That would allow Davis to hit free agency in 2022, when he would be just 29, and still in his prime

The Lakers acquired Davis in a blockbuster trade with the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2019 offseason, and the All-Star has played a huge role in elevating LA to the top of the Western Conference standings. Over 35 appearances, Davis has averaged 27.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per contest.