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2 uber-cheap defensive trade targets for the Los Angeles Lakers to add

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 19: Head coach Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts from the sideline during the second half against the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center on October 19, 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 Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 19: Head coach Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts from the sideline during the second half against the Golden State Warriors at Staples Center on October 19, 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 Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. Maurice Harkless

The Los Angeles Lakers may have made a mistake by trading for Russell Westbrook instead of trading for Buddy Hield but the team can make it up by trying to trade for a decent defender in Maurice Harkless.

While the Kings are not going to want to help their Southern California rival get better, this is such a small package that the Kings would be silly to talk themselves out of getting an asset for Harkless, who is not raising the ceiling of that team at all.

Harkless signed a two-year, $9 million contract with the Kings prior to the season so the Lakers would not only get a defensive addition this season, but would get someone that rolls over to next season. All the Lakers need to match is $4.5 million in salary, which with the trade exception, means the Lakers can trade one minimum player for Harkless.

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The Kings obviously are not going to take a Kent Bazemore for Maurice Harkless swap as that adds nothing to the team. The best-case scenario would be Harkless having no market whatsoever and the Lakers trading a minimum contract with a future second-round pick for Harkless.

If Harkless does have a market, it might take Austin Reaves or even Kendrick Nunn. If Nunn was traded then the Lakers could save the trade exception for another deal as well.

Harkless should not have much of a market as he is shooting terribly from beyond the arc this season. While that might seem to be a bad thing, the Lakers need more defense, not more shooters who cannot defend. He will naturally shoot better with LeBron James on the court and more importantly, will bring much better defense.

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