The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to be an aggressive seller on the trading front in the coming weeks heading into the February trade deadline, with Jeremy Lin, Jordan Hill, and Ed Davis likely trade baits, according to Basketball Insiders writer Alex Kennedy.
Playoff hopes are slowly slipping away from Los Angeles Lakers each passing game, but that won't stop general manager Mitch Kupchack from pulling off several deals to keep their rebuilding effort in right direction.
Basketball Insiders writer Alex Kennedy believed Lakers are one of several NBA ball clubs primed to make moves on the trading front between now and February 19 trade deadline.
Tuesday's 111-103 win over the Denver Nuggets gave the Lakers only its 10th win of the season. And with Kobe Bryant expressing his displeasure of his current situation, Kupchack and the Lakers front office is expected to make necessary deals in an attempt to accumulate more assets for speedy rebuilding.
According to Kennedy, the Lakers will explore trading some of their expiring contracts for some solid returns. Jeremy Lin and Ed Hill are mentioned as potential trade chips, so is Steve Nash's expiring contract worth roughly $9M.
"I do think the Lakers are a team to watch as the trade deadline approaches. It really makes sense for them to make some moves. Ed Davis and Jeremy Lin can become unrestricted free agents this summer, so they may look to trade them to get something in return rather than losing them for nothing," according to Kennedy.
"It may be hard for them to get significant assets back in return since those two can walk in the summer, but getting something back makes sense."
The Lakers could also try to sell Jordan Hill, who is drawing interest from multiple teams. Hill is in the midst of a career year, averaging 12.2 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.0 block in 29 minutes per game.
The Houston Rockets, Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors are cited as potential suitors for Hill, who signed a two-year, $18 million deal with team option for the second year.
"Jordan Hill could also be on the move, as his trade value is at an all-time high since he's having a career-year. The Lakers have an incentive to trade away veterans too, as it would help them lose games and keep their top-five draft pick (even though they insist they aren't tanking). The Lakers are definitely a team to watch as Feb. 19 gets closer," Kennedy stated.
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