NBA trade rumors: Players on the trade block the Lakers must avoid

By Jason Reed | Feb 3, 2022

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 28: Head coach Frank Vogel of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts following a call during the first half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on January 28, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) – NBA trade rumors /

1. Buddy Hield

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly still pursuing Buddy Hield at the deadline and he is someone who does not make a lot of sense for the Lakers. The Lakers nearly traded for Hield in the offseason and made the worse decision of trading for Russell Westbrook. While Hield would have been better for LA then, he is not better for LA now.

The Lakers would have to trade at least Talen Horton-Tucker, Kendrick Nunn and a first-round pick for Hield. That is a lot considering the Lakers did not want to trade THT for Kyle Lowry just 11 months ago.

Hield would have been a better fit than Westbrook but as the team is currently constructed it does not make a lot of sense to add him. The Lakers already have several three-point shooters who don’t play much defense and Hield would not add anything new to the team.

In fact, the Lakers already have a better version of Buddy Hield on the roster in Malik Monk. Hard pass.

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