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Following a recent MVP-level stretch from Anthony Davis, the LA Lakers are looking to make upgrades in hopes of returning to the playoffs. Recent reports suggest the Lakers have their sights set on a blockbuster move that could turn the NBA world on its side.
In a news breakdown for The Athletic, Jovan Buha touched on everything he's heard regarding Lakers trade rumors. He mentioned superstar-level players like Kevin Durant and Damian Lillard among the possible trade candidates.
"In the ultimate pie-in-the-sky scenario, the Lakers have interest in Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, and Bradley Beal if any of the three stars were to become available."
Other more realistic names include Chicago's DeMar DeRozan, Myles Turner, and former Lakers draft pick, Kyle Kuzma.
As it currently stands, the LA Lakers are two games out of the final spot in the play-in tournament. They sit with a record of 11-16 and are 5-5 over their last ten games. Judging from the names put in the article, it's clear LA is willing to do whatever it can to maximize the duo of Davis and LeBron James while they are still at their peak.
Could the LA Lakers realistically pull off a superstar trade?
The LA Lakers might have their sights set on ballers like Damian Lillard and Kevin Durant, but the possibility of them acquiring one of the two seems unlikely. They have the minimal draft capital to offer, and their band of supporting players is rather lackluster.
KD did request a trade over the summer, but the Lakers were not on his list of destinations. Also, seeing that the Brooklyn Nets are currently fourth in the Eastern Conference, it's doubtful he wants a change of scenery at this point in time.
When it comes to Lillard, he might be the most untouchable star in the NBA today. Time and time again, he has made it abundantly clear that he has no intentions of leaving the Portland Trail Blazers.
The only semi-realistic star the LA Lakers have a chance at acquiring is Bradley Beal. In the offseason, he inked a five-year extension that included a full no-trade clause, meaning that he would have full control over where he goes if the Wizards were to trade him.
Currently, Washington is towards the bottom of the standings at 11-18 on the year. If things continue to go south, Beal might start to get antsy. That being said, if the All-Star guard wants to play in LA, he has the power to make a deal like that happen.
