Ranking the most likely Lakers players that will be traded this season
By Jason Reed
3. Dwight Howard
Dwight Howard could absolutely fit in the group above where he is included in a trade simply as a salary to make the ends meet. However, Howard does have a bit more value so there is a chance that a team would actually ask for Howard over someone like Jordan or Bazemore just so they can get some value out of the expiring deal.
What makes Howard more likely to be traded is the fact that he has more value. Not only could he be asked for first if the team makes a bigger trade that needs contracts, but there is also the possibility of Howard being traded by himself. That same possibility is not present with the other players mentioned as it would take the Lakers sending draft capital with them.
Howard is not going to warrant a great return in the slightest. However, every trade deadline we see teams that have a size issue trade for a veteran center to help provide depth for the playoffs. The trades are not big but they are somewhat frequent.
If there is a team out there that wants to add a traditional center and his rim-protecting/shot-blocking ability then they absolutely should give the Lakers a call. The Lakers should take anything for Howard, including a simple second-round pick.
It is not exciting, I know, but that is more likely than the other players already mentioned on the list.