NBA Trade Rumors: 3 Players that could join the Los Angeles Lakers next week

After the summer acquisition of superstar LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers started the season with a disappointing 2-5 record. Due to this, many fans and analysts began to question the team's chances for the 2018-19 season.

But the Lakers have since improved to a 17-11 record, which has lifted them to 5th spot in the Western Conference standings. And with the Golden State Warriors making their worst start since Steve Kerr took over in 2014, and the Houston Rockets having a nightmare season, the Lakers are growing in belief that they can genuinely challenge for a Championship this season.

Due to this, Magic Johnson and the Lakers executives are said to be in the market for additions this month, and the franchise could soon make a number of high profile additions to the roster. While an All-Star caliber player remains unlikely, here are three players that could be set to join LeBron James in the famous purple and gold jersey.

#3 Terrence Ross

Ross is having a career-year with the Orlando Magic

Terrence Ross is having his best career to date with the Orlando Magic, and it seems as though the Lakers have taken notice. The versatile 27-year-old is comfortable playing at both small forward and shooting guard, and this season, he is averaging 13.9 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. The Orlando Magic man is also shooting an impressive 38.5% from three-point range.

Ross would provide the Lakers with more athleticism and speed, which will be useful to a team currently scoring a high percentage of their points in the paint. While the playoff-chasing Magic won't want to lose Ross, the team may feel forced into a trade due to his $10,500,000 contract expiring at the end of the current season.

The bottom line is that the Lakers have a known interest in Ross, and the franchise would want to get a deal done as quickly as possible.

#2 Wayne Ellington

Wayne Ellington would add both three-point scoring and experience to the Lakers team

Since LeBron James' arrival in the summer of 2018, the Lakers have added a number of veterans to complement their young core. JaVale McGee, Tyson Chandler and Rajon Rondo have all signed up for the LeBron era in Los Angeles, and reports earlier this week suggested that Wayne Ellington could be next.

The Lakers are currently lacking reliable shooters on their roster, and Ellington's accuracy from behind the arc would be a major boost. Magic Johnson will also be confident of acquiring the 31-year-old for little in return, due to the veteran's expiring contract.

The shooting guard has started in just 10 of his 18 appearances for the Heat this season, and he is averaging 24.7 minutes per game. The Heat face an uphill battle to make the playoffs, and the organization would be willing to make a quick trade if the Lakers offer a player and a second-round draft pick.

#1 Trevor Ariza

Ariza joined the Phoenix Suns last summer

The Lakers need to add both shooters and defensive versatility before the trade deadline, and Ariza could cover both of these areas. The veteran forward is among the best two-way players in the league, and he is well known for both his shot contending skills and his accuracy from behind the arc.

Both Trevor Ariza and the Los Angeles Lakers are believed to be eager for a trade to work out, although it has been reported that the Phoenix Suns owner wants the 33-year-old to join any team except the Lakers.

Up until this point, the Lakers have been willing to trade Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Suns in order to get a deal done. However, the Suns reportedly want a player such as Lonzo Ball.

Despite this, the teams are likely to meet in the middle over the coming days, and there is a good chance that Ariza will be a Laker within the next week.