5 Lakers most likely to be traded at the deadline

5 Lakers most likely to be traded at the deadline

The Lakers have been embroiled in lots of trade rumors given their dismal record,

players on team-friendly contracts and their ambition to contend for title No. 18.

Being at.500 and pretty healthy, minus Gabe Vincent and now Taurean Prince,

it appears that they will need to make a move to have a serious shot at the crown in the West.

The Lakers are reportedly in talks with the Atlanta Hawks about Dejounte Murray and

have been linked to players like Tyus Jones and Bruce Brown Jr.

To make any of these moves, they will need to trade key rotation players.

The Lakers have made it apparent that Austin Reaves is nearly untouchable,

and LeBron James and Anthony Davis will undoubtedly be on this roster,

leaving a dozen or so players the Lakers could still move.

But which ones are most likely to be traded?

Here is a ranking of the players most likely to be traded before the deadline.

1. D’Angelo Russell.

Russell’s name has been connected in practically every Lakers trade speculation this season,

making him the most likely to be transferred.

The reasons are obvious: he only has one year left on his contract,

with a player option for next season,

and his $17 million salary can help match the proposed deal for Dejounte Murray.

It’s difficult to imagine him staying on the squad and the Lakers being obligated to pay his deal the following season.

However, if he is, it will be because clubs demanded too much from Russell,

and the value they received in return does not match his starting point guard productivity or improve the team.

2. Rui Hachimura

Rui has struggled with injuries this season, and his role has changed several times.

Davis may want Hachimura to “get back” to being himself,

but what if the Lakers have already seen his best,

and he has reverted to his norm?

Despite struggling to find a role and earning $15 million,

Hachimura is a valuable player in the league and can be part of a package deal for an upgrade at the guard position.

3. Jalen Hood Schifino.

Fans enjoy the Baby Lakers, but Jalen Hood-Schifino has not received

the same kind of attention or NBA action on this club.

That was always going to be the case with a club that wanted to compete but didn’t have

the patience to overlook the mistakes that a rookie point guard in the NBA makes.

He’s on a rookie contract, so you won’t get a lot of money for Hood-Schifino,

but he’s an intriguing potential who may be the icing on top of a trade that convinces a team like

the Nets to package Dorian Finney-Smith and send him to the Lakers.

4. Gabriel Vincent.

Add Gabe Vincent to the list of Miami Heat players that the Lakers should not have acquired.

Vincent, like Nunn, sustained a minor injury that resulted in him undergoing surgery on his left knee.

Even when he did play, he was unimpressive, averaging 5.4 points and shooting just 11% from three.

Not good for the player you brought in under your mid-level exception.

Vincent, who is injured and looks horrible even when healthy, isn’t the most appealing player for a team to sign,

but he is anticipated to return this season.

The Lakers may be willing to trade him if a team wants to acquire him in the hopes that

he will be ready to play next season at full strength.

5. Jaxson Hayes

Speaking of players the Lakers should be ready to trade, Jaxson Hayes, come on down!

This season, he was expected to play the role of JaVale McGee for the Lakers.

He only needed to provide a burst of energy and finish at the rim,

but he lacks McGee’s defensive ability and is ineffective at creating screens.

He recently lost minutes to Christian Wood, who has outperformed Hayes during his shifts.

So, while many teams will not want Hayes,

he may be part in a deal simply so the Lakers can get him off the roster and bring in someone who can contribute,

like Damian Jones was in the Russell Westbrook trade last season.

Hayes also has a player option for next season,

so moving him may necessitate the Lakers offering some draft assets, most likely a second-round selection,

to entice a team to make a deal.

That is a high price, which is why Hayes is less likely to be dealt than the aforementioned Lakers.

While these are the five most probable Lakers to be traded, a lot can happen between now and the deadline,

and there are several trade possibilities involving other Lakers that might take place.

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