The NBA trade deadline is February 9, and right now the Lakers’ trade options are one of the most talked about things in the league.
There are six possible trade partners for the Los Angeles Lakers before the 2023 deadline
Utah Jazz
- Lakers get: Mike Conley, Malik Beasley, Jarred Vanderbilt
- Jazz get: Russell Westbrook, 2027 and 2029 first-round picks
Russell Westbrook’s expiring contract should provide the L.A Lakers with strong incentive to trade him, as it will be attractive to teams looking to clear salary cap space this offseason.
The Jazz are currently in the play-in round and could use the help of the former MVP. Furthermore, if a trade is made this summer, it could free up more salary cap space.
Detroit Pistons
- Lakers get: Alec Burks, Cory Joseph
- Pistons get: Patrick Beverley, two second-round picks
According to Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report, Burks is one of three players the Lakers should think about trading before the deadline. Bojan Bogdanovic of Detroit Pistons and Zach LaVine of Chicago Bulls rounded out the trio.
Although Burks is not a household name, he is a talented player with many uses. He’s versatile and can defend a number of positions. In addition to his defensive abilities, he has developed a reliable scoring touch and improved his 3-point shooting. He’s shooting 45.5% from the field and 44.4% from deep while averaging 13.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.
Houston Rockets
- Lakers get: Eric Gordon
- Rockets get: Patrick Beverley, Kendrick Nunn, two second-round picks
Gordon can space the floor well and make his own shot effectively in a half-court offense. He’s not just an offensive threat, but also a solid defender. You can see that he would be an asset to any championship-caliber team.
Washington Wizards
- Lakers get: Kyle Kuzma
- Wizards get: Patrick Beverley, Max Christie, first-round pick
The Wizards front office and ownership must be confident in their chances of keeping Kuzma or they wouldn’t have traded Hachimura. Reports have surfaced about Kuzma’s desire to switch teams this offseason, but some of that may be attributed to franchises hoping for a shot at the Utah product.
T-Wolves
- Lakers get: D’Angelo Russell, Kyle Anderson
- T-Wolves get: Russell Westbrook
Timberwolves star is averaging 17.8 points, 6.2 dimes, and 39% shooting from deep this season. The Lakers could be in for some serious offensive fireworks with Russell at the helm. In addition to Russell, the Lakers would also acquire Kyle Anderson.
Indiana Pacers
- Lakers get: Buddy Hield, Myles Turner
- Pacers get: Russell Westbrook
Related: Lakers Rumors: Los Angeles is still a strong possibility for a long shot trade target
Potential trade scenarios involving the Indiana Pacers were discussed as early as the previous season, so now could be the time for a deal to be finalized. Once again, Westbrook is the trade’s centerpiece, with Indiana sending Buddy Hield and Myles Turner to the Lakers.
