NBA trade rumors: 3 Lakers players who are the most likely to be traded

By Jason Reed | Jan 26, 2023

PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 22: LeBron James #6 and Patrick Beverley #21 of the Los Angeles Lakers react during the third quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on January 22, 2023 in Portland, Oregon. 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 Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /

1. Patrick Beverley

Even though he is playing better basketball as of late, Patrick Beverley is still the most likely Los Angeles Lakers player to get traded at the deadline. All the stars are aligning for the Lakers to put Beverley in a trade to make an improvement elsewhere.

Beverley is on an expiring contract in which he is making $13 million. That is a perfect figure to pair with draft capital to make the money work for a potential trade candidate. If there is someone who makes slightly more, the Lakers have the ability to package Beverley and Walker together to make that happen.

While Beverley ranks first on this list, it does feel like it will be either him or Westbrook that gets traded. Beverley is far more likely but if the Lakers do pull the trigger on a massive Westbrook trade then Beverley will be safe in Los Angeles.

The team will need point guard depth and won’t really be able to make any other significant trade on top of a Westbrook deal. The team’s future assets will be traded away in the deal so there will be nothing to pair Beverley with.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JANUARY 21: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers posts up on Mikal Bridges #25 of the Phoenix Suns during the game at Footprint Center on January 21, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns beat the Pacers 112-107. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

Lakers now have perfect Myles Turner plan B on trade market

The Los Angeles Lakers are not going to trade for Myles Turner but at least there is now a perfect plan B for the team on the trade market.

But as previously mentioned, it does not seem like the Lakers’ front office wants to take that bold of a swing so trading Beverley becomes the most likely outcome.

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