Los Angeles Lakers Trade Rumors: Lonzo Ball trade, Interest in Pistons star and more

During the early stages of the season, the Los Angeles Lakers looked to be major contenders in the Western Conference.

After all, the team had been bosted by the arrival of superstar LeBron James, while both the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors were suffering difficult starts to the season.

Nevertheless, the Rockets have managed to return to form due to a series of incredible solo-performances from James Harden, while the Warriors starting lineup now boasts DeMarcus Cousins.

Meanwhile, the Lakers have struggled without James, and there is a clear need for the team to make additions ahead of the trade deadline.

The window to make trades will close in less than 48 hours, and here we will look at the moves that the Lakers could make ahead of the deadline.

#3 Lonzo Ball is interesting the Phoenix Suns

The Lakers reportedly offered the 21-year-old as part of a trade for Anthony Davis earlier this week

It is fair to say that Lonzo Ball's future in Los Angeles is in serious doubt. The Lakers reportedly offered the 21-year-old as part of a trade for Anthony Davis earlier this week, and Ball will also face a major challenge to regain his starting spot back from the resurgent Rajon Rondo.

In light of this, Tania Ganguli of the Los Angeles Times is reporting that the Phoenix Suns have expressed an interest in acquiring the young point guard:

After learning of the Lakers’ offers to the Pelicans, Lonzo Ball’s camp maintains that New Orleans isn’t the desired destination. Phoenix makes the most basketball sense if Ball were to be traded and according to two sources there is mutual interest.

So far this season, Ball has averaged 9.9 points, 5.4 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game. While the Lakers are willing to send Ball to New Orleans as part of a trade for Davis, it is unlikely that they will deal him to the Suns as Lonzo himself has no say on his destination.

Also read: NBA Trade Rumors Roundup, February 5th

Also read: NBA Daily Schedule, Latest Results, and TV Listings

#2 The Lakers are interested in a trade for Reggie Bullock

Up to this point, the Lakers have been frustrated in their pursuit of Anthony Davis and Tania Ganguli of the Los Angeles Times is reporting that the team may turn their attention to Reggie Bullock of the Detroit Pistons:

The Lakers have been among the teams that have contacted the Pistons about Reggie Bullock. So far Detroit hasn’t been very interested in moving him for what they’ve been offered. This is the last year of his deal and he’s making $2.5 million this year.

Bullock played college basketball for the University of North Carolina before being drafted with the 25th overall in the 2013 NBA draft by the LA Clippers.

The 27-year-old has been with the Pistons 2015, and so far this season Bullock has averaged 12.0 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.

#1 DeAndre Jordan eager to join the Lakers

DeAndre Jordan during his time in Dallas

After spending his entire career with the LA Clippers, DeAndre Jordan joined the Dallas Mavericks last summer.

In Dallas, the 30-year-old was averaging 11.0 points, 13.7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game, however, Jordan was last week traded by the Mavericks to the New York Knicks as part of the trade that took Kristaps Porzingis to New York.

Nevertheless, it appears as though Jordan has no long term plans to stay in New York as Dan Woike of the LA Times is reporting that the center wants to return to Los Angeles:

A more immediate impact could come after the trade deadline, when the center-heavy Knicks could buy out Jordan’s contract, making him a free agent. Jordan would like to return to Los Angeles, and he’s still close with coach Doc Rivers. Some NBA scouts believe a pairing with the Lakers, perhaps next summer, makes sense for Jordan, too.

Jordan was named an NBA All-Star in 2017, and the veteran center is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer.