Los Angeles Lakers Trade Rumors: 3 players the Lakers need to keep ahead of the NBA trade deadline

#2 Ivica Zubac

Golden State Warriors v Los Angeles Lakers

Ivica Zubac has arguably been the NBA's breakout star during the early stages of 2019. The 21-year-old has managed to force his way into the Lakers starting five, and Zubac also had a five-game streak where he managed to score at least double figures.

Zubac's performances were a major boost to a struggling Lakers team during January, and it seems as though the big man's performances haven't gone unnoticed. The LA Times reported earlier this week that rival teams are gearing up to make a move for the center ahead of the deadline, however, it would be a major mistake for the Lakers to trade Zubac. The team is likely to lose the majority of their young roster as part of a trade for Anthony Davis, and Magic Johnson would be wise to keep the impressive Croatian around for the long haul.