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The LA Lakers have been linked with several players this season. However, they're waiting for the right deal before pulling the trigger. The latest rumors suggest that the Lakers could be interested in several high-profile stars.
They include Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets, Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers and Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards. However, the Lakers are unlikely to make any deals in the next 2-4 weeks.
On that note, here's the latest LA Lakers rumors roundup for December 17 brought to you by Sportskeeda.
LA Lakers interested in Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal
Jovan Buha of The Athletic recently listed the players the LA Lakers have shown interest this season. Buha mentioned discussions with the Detroit Pistons regarding Bojan Bogdanovic, as well as a potential deal with the New York Knicks for Evan Fournier and Cam Reddish.
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Buha also pointed out other big names who could enter the trade market, including Kyrie Irving, DeMar DeRozan, Kyle Kuzma and Myles Turner. However, the most surprising information was the Lakers' interest in top stars such as Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal.
There're no current indications that their respective teams will make Durant, Lillard and Beal available. The Brooklyn Nets and Portland Trail Blazers are having terrific campaigns, while Beal recently signed a max contract with the Washington Wizards.
LA Lakers unlikely to make trade in next 2-4 weeks
The LA Lakers have been playing well in the last few weeks. They're still a few games below .500, but have improved under coach Darvin Ham. The Lakers still need a shooter to boost their chances of making the postseason.
Despite listing players the Lakers could pursue, Jovan Buha of The Athletic said that the team may not make any trades in the next two to four weeks. Buha explained that people in the organization prefer to take a patient approach for the next move.
The injury to Anthony Davis will test the Lakers before the end of the year. If they can continue to win without Davis, that could affect their plans before the trade deadline on February 9.
Russell Westbrook played himself out of potential trade
Russell Westbrook is thriving as the Lakers' sixth man this season. He's averaging 15.2 points, 6.0 rebounds and 8.0 assists off the bench. He has also recorded two triple-doubles off the bench, which is an NBA record.
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, Westbrook might have played his way out of a possible trade. Amick reported that it has become "increasingly unlikely" that the Lakers would deal the former MVP before the February 9 deadline.
If the Lakers don't want to trade Westbrook, they could still deal Patrick Beverley and Kendrick Nunn. They could package the two veteran guards with one of their unprotected first-round picks for a reliable role player.
