5 Trades That Could Turn The Lakers Into Contenders

Let’s face it, the current state of the Lakers roster has them more favorable for a top five pick than a playoff spot. The problem is, right now, the Lakers are stuck in the dreaded middle. Mediocrity gets you no where in the NBA, and it’s why you see teams tank instead of fight for an eighth seed in the playoffs.

With the flexibility of their roster, however, the Lakers are built more to execute a blockbuster trade as opposed to reel in a big-name free agent in the summer. They are armed with more assets than last year, both in terms of players and draft picks.

Add in the recent news of the likely increase in salary cap with the NBA’s new TV deal with ESPN and TNT, and the Lakers are going to be big spenders. Depending on how the season kicks off with Kobe Bryant, they may scour the market for teams selling in hopes of piecing together another contender.

Remember, it was just over seven years ago that the Lakers busted out of the gates with a young Andrew Bynum and Bryant before pulling off the mid-season trade for Pau Gasol.

Can they do it again? Let’s look at some trades that could be made: