Despite a 12-29 record, the Lakers might be pushed to make a deal because of the organization's pride. Putting a competitive product on the floor is important to general manager Mitch Kupchak, even if it means sacrificing the future of the franchise.
The future is certainly now with Kobe Bryant telling Bill Plaschke of The Los Angeles Times that he could very well retire following the season: "I'd be lying if I said that it hasn't crossed my mind. Right now I doubt it ... but anything's possible.''
A blockbuster trade might entice the Black Mamba to return for one final season, in which the Lakers would certainly go all in during the offseason to ensure that the team would be highly competitive.
Will any of the following names find themselves wearing purple and gold next season? Read on to learn about the latest rumors.
Brook Lopez
The Brooklyn Nets are a mediocre team with a couple of valuable veterans, making them ideal candidates to have a small sale in the weeks prior to the deadline. Their most attractive piece is center Brook Lopez, who is averaging 15 points and 6.2 rebounds per game this season.
Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the Nets have had discussions with teams playing in the opposite conference:
For context, check out what Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel thinks it would take the Miami Heat to acquire Lopez:
The Lakers really don't have a similar package they can offer. Los Angeles would have to offer Steve Nash, Jordan Clarkson and Ed Davis to make the salaries work, but it's unlikely that the Nets would have any interest in an expiring contract and two semi-valuable players....
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
