5 trade targets to help the Los Angeles Lakers chase a championship
By Dalton Sell
Trade targets for the Los Angeles Lakers this season: Robert Covington
The Lakers have been abysmal on the defensive end this season. According to NBA.com/stats, the purple and gold currently rank 15th in defensive rating, which is quite the dropoff following their reign as the league’s best defensive team last year. Trading for defensive personnel would help the Lakers improve that number, especially if someone like Robert Covington was on the table.
Covington has been a reputable defender in the NBA from the moment he came in. The 2017-18 All-Defensive honoree has built up a reputation for his elite defensive presence along with a solid outside shot.
He has been traded several times throughout his career because teams are always looking to get their hands on a player with his skills, and the Lakers would be no exception. They could desperately use a versatile player like Covington that can defend multiple positions at a high level while knocking down some three-pointers.
While Covington is an easy trade target to desire, there are some questions that come with a deal. The first unknown is just how available he is, as the Blazers remain intent on chasing the playoffs despite a slow start to the season.
The second is how the Lakers would go about piecing together a trade package to match Covington’s $13 million salary for this season. It is possible, but it would take some string pulling from the front office. Still, due to his defensive presence, Covington would be a worthwhile trade target for the Lakers.