Los Angeles Lakers: 3 burning questions ahead of the NBA trade deadline

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 20: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the rim against Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks during the third quarter of a game at Staples Center on March 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Michael Owens/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 20: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the rim against Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks during the third quarter of a game at Staples Center on March 20, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Michael Owens/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

The NBA trade deadline is fast approaching and the Los Angeles Lakers may be hard-pressed to make a move before the deadline passes. The Lakers were likely going to make some kind of additions before this past weekend, but with LeBron James now being hurt, the need for a move is more serious.

The Lakers are not going to even come close to replacing LeBron James with an external option but the team still needs all the help it can get in making sure it does not fall too far down the Western Conference standings.

The last thing the Lakers need is to have to participate in the play-in tournament to determine the last two seeds in the Western Conference and then have to face a team like the Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Clippers, or Phoenix Suns in the first round.

The Los Angeles Lakers need help.

The Lakers cannot do that much via trade because of the assets available to the team but they can make some moves for cheaper assets and can capitalize on the buyout market, which will develop even further once the deadline passes.

There are several potential buyout targets that may or may not be traded at the deadline. If a deal with another team does not happen, the Lakers’ options suddenly open up.

No moves have yet been announced and Lakers fans are dying to know what it next. Here are 3 burning questions we have here at Lake Show Life ahead of the upcoming NBA trade deadline.