Los Angeles Lakers: Top 3 trade candidates before 2018 deadline

Between now and the 2018 trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers could be forced to part ways with a prominent player or two to create cap space for a couple of superstar free agents.

This offseason was just the opening act for Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers. The real fun will start next offseason when the franchise is expected to make sparks fly during 2018 NBA free agency.

Before they can dream of making a tsunami-sized splash, though, the Lakers are going to need to do some more maneuvering in the salary cap department. They’ve still got some lingering contract issues that could limit their spending power during free agency. Don’t, however, think that Magic will stand pat and simply hope for the best next offseason.

Instead, Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka are expected to make some brazen moves between now and the 2018 trade deadline to prepare themselves financially for a spending spree. It won’t be easy. Some difficult decisions will need to be made. Then again, it’s not like this duo had trouble making tough calls back in June.

That means a few notable names could be sent packing before Feb. 8.

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So here they are — the Lakers’ top three trade candidates during the 2017-18. Don’t be surprised to see one (or all) of these players wearing different jerseys before the 2018 trade deadline is in the rear-view mirror.