The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2021-22 NBA season as the title favorites for many fans, but they have looked far from it thus far. With a 18-19 record on the season, the Lakers currently sit at seventh place in the Western Conference standings, which is concerning given the star power on the roster.
If they continue to slide in the standings, this team could possibly miss the playoffs or be a play-in tournament team at best, which would be awful for this star-studded Lakers squad.
It seems inevitable that change is on the way for Los Angeles. Though the Lakers do not have the richest stash of assets, the front office is certainly looking around the league for trades to improve the many flaws on this roster.
As rumors continue to swirl around this team, let us take a look at a breakdown of where everyone on the roster stands as potential trade assets. Any hardship 10-day signings or two-way players currently on board will not be included.
With that said, let us get to the breakdown.
Players that could be salary filler for the Los Angeles Lakers in a trade
Opposing teams will not likely find any of these players too enticing in trades by themselves, but the Lakers could package them in a bigger deal as salary filler. DeAndre Jordan, Kent Bazemore, Dwight Howard, and Avery Bradley are all household veterans that signed with the Lakers this past offseason that could be had.
Aside from Bazemore, who is making $2.4 million, every Laker listed here is on the books for $2.6 million this season. If the Lakers are trying to put together a deal, these are players that could be added to round out the edges.
These savvy veterans have had their struggles for the Lakers this year. Jordan has been massively underwhelming to the point where he has been practically booted from the rotation. Bazemore has played a crucial role for the Lakers, but he has not exactly changed life when he is on the court, while Howard is having the least productive season of his career.
If the Lakers make a move, one or more of these veterans could be included for filler.