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5 Potential Trade Targets For Los Angeles Lakers

By Carter Johnson

Jan 7, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) and Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) lineup for a free throw during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 118-115. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kobe Bryant (24) and Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins (15) lineup for a free throw during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 118-115. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 14, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) reacts as a timeout is called in the first quarter against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) reacts as a timeout is called in the first quarter against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /

Rudy Gay

Out of all of the names being floated around in the rumor mill, Rudy Gay is the one that is the most popular and the most plausible.

Gay is talented enough to draw major attention and interest from teams all around the league looking for an offensive boost, but isn’t valuable enough to the Sacramento Kings for them not to take a look at making a deal for him.

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    • The Lakers could definitely use a player with Gay’s prolific scoring ability, especially on the wing where it seems Kobe Bryant is their only form of offense more often than not. Adding Gay also means Bryant could slide back to the 2-guard spot, which alleviates the strain that comes with having to defend some of the best players in the league at the 3-spot on a nightly basis.

    However, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein, the Kings have emphatically stated that they are not looking to move Gay just to do it; they want the “right deal.”

    While one condition that fits their request would be a young player, they would be willing to give him up for a player on a one year deal that fits their immediate needs. This request could prove advantageous for the Lakers.

    The Kings, and more specifically star center DeMarcus Cousins, have been clamoring for a defensive anchor to pair with the stud offensive big since this past offseason. While Tyson Chandler of the Phoenix Suns is an option, the Suns have no use for a wing like Gay, with rookie Devin Booker providing quality minutes in the starting rotation.

    Luckily, the Lakers possess such a defensive player in one Roy Hibbert, who also serves as their primary trading piece.

    lakers kings trade
    lakers kings trade /

    Such a trade would shake out financially and essentially be a contract swap, as the Lakers would offload Hibbert’s $15.5 million salary and absorb Gay’s contract that stands to see him receive $40 million over the next three seasons with an option for the 2017-18 season.

    The Lakers can only hope that Hibbert’s defense will be attractive enough to Sacramento to lure them into dealing Gay away.

    Next: A Long-Term Rim Protector

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