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 Michael Owens/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

3. Can the Los Angeles Lakers find an upgrade by trading Kentavious Caldwell-Pope?

Victor Oladipo, who was mentioned on the THT page, is someone who would be an upgrade from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope that the team could target if they look to trade KCP. I have broken down what a trade package for Oladipo may look like and it is most likely going to have to include THT.

That is not the only move that the Los Angeles Lakers could make to improve by trading KCP but it is the most notable. Regardless, there is legitimate chatter around the Lakers potentially trading KCP and it makes sense in the long scheme of things.

On the Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective Podcast, Windhorst said that there has been chatter around the Lakers trading Caldwell-Pope before the deadline. Windhorst said that KCP is the “piece that they are willing to move” (h/t Bleacher Report).

Last week, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said on The Woj Pod that the Lakers could make a move at the trade deadline to help re-sign players next offseason. Because KCP is on a new multi-year contract, he becomes an obvious target for the team to move.

There are plenty of reasons for the Los Angeles Lakers to move KCP but can the team find a trade worthwhile that not only opens up money but improves the team this year? The best example if a trade for Oladipo, but we just have to wait and see.