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5 Realistic Trade Targets For The Los Angeles Lakers In 2016-17

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Los Angeles Lakers may need a midseason trade to stay competitive, which could lead to one of these names becoming a serious trade target in 2016-17.

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

As we’ve seen many times in the past, the Los Angeles Lakers aren’t afraid to make a blockbuster trade in order to gain a competitive edge. Although I don’t necessarily think that’ll happen in 2016-17, a trade could come to fruition if the right opportunity presents itself.

That’s why I’ve put together this list of realistic trade targets for the Lakers.

I’ve already gone over a few big-name players who could be on their radar, but I also wanted to pinpoint a few more options that are a little more feasible. Whether that’s because they’re actually available or wouldn’t cost the Lakers an arm and a leg to make a deal for, these players should be considered serious options if Los Angeles begin eyeing a trade.

Also keep in mind that trades don’t necessary happen as a means of making a roster competitive. As I mentioned earlier this week, we can’t realistically expect this team to turn it around overnight. It’s going to be a slow and steady process, which could lead to a trade focused on adding building blocks.

With that in mind, here’s my look at five realistic trade targets for the Lakers in 2016-17.

Cleveland Cavaliers PG Mo Williams

I know, right? The last thing the Lakers need right now is another aging point guard to back up D’Angelo Russell. They’ve already got Jose Calderon and Marcelo Huertas, which is more than enough veteran presence in the backcourt.

However, the addition of Mo Williams wouldn’t be the worst move if it means adding pieces for the future.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are currently looking for a trade partner for Williams (via ESPN’s Brian Windhorst), who skipped camp and is currently costing them $2.2 million against the cap. Getting rid of him would save them tax dollars and a roster spot. The Lakers can capitalize on that eagerness to move him.

Realistically, Los Angeles could acquire Williams and a young prospect (like Jordan McRae) or a draft pick for a bag of peanuts. The Cavaliers are desperate enough to trade him that the Lakers could get some future assets in the deal. They have the cap space to absorb his salary, even if they did end up parting ways with him immediately.

The Lakers have made similar moves in the past, somewhat like they did when they acquired Jeremy Lin in 2014. It’s a good move for a team that needs more draft assets moving forward.

Oklahoma City Thunder SG Andre Roberson

It still blows my mind how overlooked Andre Roberson is as a key piece of the puzzle in Oklahoma City. While he may be an uninspiring scorer, there’s no denying he’s an outstanding perimeter defender with the ability to make a big impact on a game-to-game basis.

Roberson is heading into a contract year with the Thunder, and appears primed to hit free agency with some momentum when next offseason rolls around. Instead of letting him leave, though, the team could opt to get something in return this year.

That’s where a defense-needy team like the Lakers comes into play.

Los Angeles would love to have a defensive specialist like Roberson on the roster. They obviously have plenty of talent at shooting guard with Jordan Clarkson and Lou Williams, but neither is a defensive star. The addition of Roberson, though, would allow Luke Walton more flexibility with his bench unit.

It’s unclear what the Lakers would have to give up to get a player like Roberson. They’d also probably like some assurance that he’d sign a new deal, but it’s a risk worth taking assuming the asking price isn’t too high.

Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Timberwolves PG Tyus Jones

There’s been a lot of talk this offseason about the Minnesota Timberwolves parting with one of their guards. Ricky Rubio has been the center of discussion, but one guy being overlooked as a potential trade target is sophomore Tyus Jones.

Apparently, there are several teams taking a keen interest in the former first round pick, according to Yahoo! Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski.

The Philadelphia 76ers and New Orleans Pelicans are two of the interested parties, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Los Angeles enter the mix as well. Jones is an intriguing young point guard, and the Lakers are going to need some youth at the position. It’s not like Calderon and Huertas are going to be around forever.

As we saw during the Summer League, Jones is capable of being a standout player in the NBA. The former Duke star earned the Las Vegas MVP designation with averages of 20.4 points, 6.8 assists and 1.4 steals per game. He also shot 45.1 percent from the field, giving the rest of the league reason to ponder a trade.

Russell seems like the future of this Lakers team. However, adding some young, quality depth behind him would be ideal. Trading for Jones would be a solid move if it didn’t cost too much.

Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Celtics PF Jonas Jerebko

It’s been quite some time since the Lakers possessed a quality stretch-4 — the last was Pau Gasol. Especially with the way the NBA is trending, it may be time for the Lakers to change that.

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Targeting a player like Jonas Jerebko would be an intriguing way to fill that void. That is, if Jim Buss and Mitch Kupchak can bring themselves to engage in trade talks with their long-time rivals, the Boston Celtics.

Jerebko is another underrated NBA player with the skills to be a pivotal bench player just about anywhere in the league. While he did underwhelm a season ago, the physical tools tell the story of a valuable asset on both sides of the court. His performance during the playoffs also helped the Celtics realize some of the upside he possesses.

Not only is Jerebko a reliable defender, but he’s a capable offensive threat with the ability to stretch the floor from either the 3 or 4 spot. His impressive mix of size (6-foot-10, 230 pounds) and athleticism make him a handful for any opponent.

With Al Horford, Kelly Olynyk and Amir Johnson hogging the frontcourt minutes, and the addition of Jaylen Brown on the wing, there aren’t going to be many opportunities for Jerebko in Boston. However, in Los Angeles, he’d provide that needed stretch-4 role with the versatility to play numerous positions.

Also, the added defensive efficiency helps.

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

San Antonio Spurs PF LaMarcus Aldridge

Before you ask why I considered this “realistic,” just read on.

At this moment, there’s a lot of speculation surrounding LaMarcus Aldridge’s future with the San Antonio Spurs (via CSN New England). He wasn’t the star they were looking for last season, and whispers would indicate that the team is ready to shop him if he struggles early in 2016-17.

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So it seems reasonable for a team without a proven star like the Lakers to consider a potential deal.

First off, we’ve all seen the type of damage Aldridge can do. The Lakers tried to persuade him to sign (twice), but failed to do so as he joined the Spurs. It’s clear they like what he brings to the table, but he doesn’t appear to be a good fit in Texas. Coming to Los Angeles, however, might bring out the star we saw emerge with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Unfortunately, trading for Aldridge would likely mean the Lakers parting ways with one of the high-upside youngsters. My guess is they’d offer Julius Randle and maybe a draft pick or role player.

Obviously there’s no guarantee Aldridge is even made available. However, if he is, you’d have to think the Lakers would be interested.

It’d be a risky move considering what we saw from Aldridge in 2015-16, but the change of scenery could be just what he needs to re-emerge as a star.

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