Lakers trade rumors: What players can they trade for now that Kyrie Irving is going to the Mavs?
The Lakers were reported to be gunning for Kyrie Irving before the trade deadline, and now that he is out of the equation, they must explore other options.
The clock is ticking as the trade deadline draws near, and the Los Angeles Lakers must make their move before Feb. 9. The team missed out on obtaining Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving, who is moving to the Dallas Mavericks, and they must now set their sights on who else can provide a much-needed boost to the team.
The Lakers currently sit at 13th place in the Western Conference with a 25-29 record, and resident superstar LeBron James has been vehement in stating that they need reinforcements, Irving reportedly being his player of choice. The team was at the forefront in the pursuit of the eight-time NBA All-Star, but in the end, they fell short of the Nets’ asking price.
It is clear which players the team is willing to part with- what needs to be determined is which ones they will acquire.
Zach LaVine
Russell Westbrook is the Lakers’ biggest (and most expensive) bargaining chip, and if they are intent on going for another high-profile player, they could trade him for Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls. James wants to belong to a team that can contend for the championship in his final playing years, and LaVine could be an effective complement to the LeBron-Anthony Davis combo.
Probably Rob Pelinka’s finest hour was NOT sitting on the grenade that is Kyrie Irving. Lakers now can make the smart basketball trade - acquire Zach LaVine.
— Jason McIntyre (@jasonrmcintyre) February 5, 2023
Much better fit in LA pic.twitter.com/bdnAFJOYdI
Malik Beasley
The Lakers could also trade Westbrook to the Utah Jazz for shooting guard Malik Beasley, small forward Jarred Vanderbilt, and point guard Mike Conley, although they might have to be willing to part with first-round picks as well.
REPORT: Jarred Vanderbilt and Malik Beasley could each be traded for “the equivalent of a first-round pick,” per @MikeAScotto. pic.twitter.com/GtToMkhgCm
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 31, 2023
Buddy Hield
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Los Angeles could consider talks with the Indiana Pacers to strengthen their ranks. Possible targets are shooting guard Buddy Hield and center Myles Turner, again with the Lakers throwing in a couple of first-rounders.
Myles Turner and Buddy Hield tryna get on the Lakers plane after the game pic.twitter.com/3JPQbMi8oU
— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) February 3, 2023
Fred VanVleet
The Toronto Raptors is another prospect for the LA team, with point guard Fred VanVleet and shooting guard Gary Trent Jr. as possible upgrades in the backcourt and wing.
Fred VanVleet to the Lakers? 🤔 @RealJayWilliams
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) January 26, 2023
"I think Fred VanVleet can be one of the missing links for this team that can add to everybody personnel wise on their roster." pic.twitter.com/dDr5HBru8R