LA Lakers Rumors: Team Must Move Assets Soon

By Cheri Cheng - 16 Feb '15 17:20PM

If the Los Angeles Lakers want to prepare for next season, they should start rebuilding now.

Although this season might not be salvageable, the Lakers can still make some moves before the trade deadline approaches in order to improve their chances next year. Some of the assets that the Lakers can move include Jeremy Lin, Carlos Boozer and Jordan Hill.

According to Joseph Crevier with Rant Sports, the Lakers should try and land Utah Jazz Enes Kanter, who reportedly expressed his desire to be traded. Crevier wrote:

"Kanter is a low-risk, high-reward acquisition for LA. He would easily be a starter in Byron Scott's abysmal frontcourt rotation. His major flaws will be magnified, but so will his strengths. Los Angeles could then evaluate his progression at the end of the season to decide if he's worth a new contract or not."

Before the deadline on Feb. 19, the Lakers could try and get players, such as Goran Dragic, Lance Stephenson, Jose Calderon, or Reggie Jackson. ESPN.com's Marc Stein reported earlier that the Lakers could be interested in Dragic specifically. Stein wrote:

"The Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers are among many teams expected to try to persuade the Phoenix Suns to part with star guard Goran Dragic before Thursday's NBA trade deadline, according to league sources."

However, sources stated that the trade market for the Lakers is very weak. The Lakers will most likely try and land key players in the summer.

Several top players who could enter free agency after this season include LaMarcus Aldridge, Marc Gasol, Rajon Rondo, Zach Randolph, and Greg Monroe. Rumors claim that the Lakers are most interested in acquiring Gasol and Rondo. These players, however, are expected to re-sign with their current teams.