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Lakers Rumors: Big names being mentioned as trade targets

By Kenneth Teape

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 3: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers passes around John Wall #2 and Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards in the second half at Capital One Arena on November 3, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 3: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers passes around John Wall #2 and Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards in the second half at Capital One Arena on November 3, 2017 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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Recent Los Angeles Lakers rumors will make fans happy as the team is discussing trades for some big named players.

Los Angeles Lakers rumors have slowed down after a hectic start to free agency. Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka accomplished their goal of landing a start, agreeing to a deal with LeBron James. James agreed to a four-year, $154 million deal with the fourth year being a player option.

With James in town, many people assumed that the Lakers would have another high profile player coming along. So far, that has not come to fruition.

Paul George, the favorite to join Los Angeles with James, ended up re-signing a four-year deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Trade talks with the San Antonio Spurs for Kawhi Leonard have been tenuous, at best. There has been a lot of posturing between the two sides. The Lakers are low-balling the Spurs, while the Spurs are asking for an absurd return package for Leonard.

According to Chris Sheridan of GetMoreSports.com, the situation with Leonard is fluid. The Philadelphia 76ers can put together the best package, but Leonard’s uncle remains persistent saying Los Angeles is where he will be.

"The Kawhi situation remains fluid, with the Sixers still appearing to be the most palatable landing zone given their willingness to put together some package of assets that might include Dario Saric, Rovert Covington, Zhaire Smith, Markelle Fultz and Miami’s unprotected 2021 first-round draft pick in order to satisfy the Spurs.But the monkey wrench if Leonard’s uncle, Dennis Robertson, who is telling anyone who will listen that Leonard will end up in Los Angeles one way or another by the time everything is said and done."

While a trade for Leonard at this time seems unlikely, Johnson and Pelinka are not sitting by idly. According to Chris Sheridan of GetMoreSports.com, they are working the trade market for some big named players, all of whom have been All-Stars.

"A number of trade options are being considered by Lakers executives Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka, and names that are being bandied about include Damian Lillard, Kevin Love, DeMar DeRozan, Bradley Beal, and John Wall … among others."

All of those players would present excellent running mates for James and company. Of those five players mentioned, Kevin Love is the likeliest to move given the current state of the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavaliers would elect to rebuild with James leaving them again.

DeMar DeRozan would be an interesting trade target. He would help take the offensive pressure off James. However, the Raptors may not be ready to blow things up on their roster as the Eastern Conference is wide open.

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It is tough to see the Portland Trail Blazers parting with Damian Lillard, the face of their franchise. Unless there are problems behind the scenes, or management overreacts to the playoffs this year, Lillard should remain in Portland.

The Washington Wizards duo are interesting. Washington took a step back this season and could be looking to shake things up. Parting with John Wall would represent a salary dump for the Wizards. While still a productive player, he signed a monster extension that will pay him just under $47 million during his age-32 season.

Beal also signed a big extension in 2016, but is two years younger than Wall and has been healthy the past two seasons. Of all of the players mentioned by Sheridan, Beal presents the best fit. Given his 3-point shooting prowess, the lack of that currently on the Lakers, he would be a huge upgrade in the backcourt. At 25 years old, he is beginning to come into his own.

All the players mentioned would require pretty hefty trade packages to acquire. Any team talking trade with the Lakers will probably begin talks with Brandon Ingram. Lonzo Ball could also be inquired about, but his father, LaVar Ball, complicates things. Kyle Kuzma, Josh Hart and future draft picks would also be in the discussion.

Love would probably require the least because he can become a free agent next summer. Love would fill a huge whole currently in the Lakers frontcourt and makes the most sense given the current state of the roster. However, after what the Lakers did to the Cavaliers at the February trade deadline, Cleveland should ignore any phone calls from Johnson and Pelinka.

Skill set wise, Beal and DeRozan would make the most sense. However, the Lakers backcourt and wings are currently oversaturated. Wall and Lillard are long shots unless Los Angeles is giving up on Lonzo Ball after his rookie season.

Next: 50 Greatest Players In Lakers Franchise History

Expect plenty of trade rumors to continue throughout the summer involving the Lakers. With James in town, the team could sacrifice some of their young talents for more established players. They will have to figure out if that is the correct route to take. James is here for the long-haul, so giving away the farm this summer isn’t an ideal way to conduct business.

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