Purple and Gold Report: Trades Galore!

The Los Angeles Lakers are leading the West with a record of 21-4.

But even though they have a huge lead in the West, it doesn't look like they would be able to beat defensive-minded powerhouses like the Celtics and Cavaliers.

The Lakers need to make some trades for some defensive minded players who would make the Lakers the No. 1 defensive team in the league. I will give some of my ideas for trades.

Lakers and Bulls

Lakers Trade: Lamar Odom, Jordan Farmar, Luke Walton
Bulls Trade: Kirk Hinrich, Andres Nocioni, Drew Gooden

The Lakers would have a star-filled starting lineup that is also tough defensively with Kobe, Hinrich, and Nocioni locking down the perimeter and Gasol and Bynum blocking shots in the middle. This trade would have to happen after Hinrich is back from injury though.

Lakers and Rockets

Lakers Trade: Vladimir Radmanovic and Chris Mihm
Rockets Trade: Shane Battier and Chuck Hayes

The Rockets really need a good backup center and a shooter. I have heard rumors that this trade is being discussed between the teams.

Battier would be a perfect fit for us at small forward because he is a defensive minded player and he can shoot.

Lakers and Magic

1.
Lakers Trade: Lamar Odom, Luke Walton, and Chris Mihm
Magic Trade: Hedo Turkoglu, Tony Battie, Brian Cook, and J.J. Redick
2.
Lakers Trade: Lamar Odom and Luke Walton
Magic Trade: Hedo Turkoglu, Tony Battie, and J.J. Redick

The Lakers would get a strong defensive and offensive small forward who is also 6-10 and can run an offense.

The Magic would get a natural power forward so that they can put Rashard Lewis back at small forward and they also get some depth at shooting guard and small forward with Luke Walton.

Tony Battie and Chris Mihm are basically equal, but Battie's contract is bigger.

Lakers and Bucks

Lakers Trade: Lamar Odom and Luke Walton
Bucks Trade: Richard Jefferson and Charlie Villanueva

The Lakers get a strong defensive and offensive small forward. The Bucks get a big man who can also distribute the ball. The Lakers also get a backup big man to replace Odom.

Lakers and Bobcats

Lakers Trade: Lamar Odom, Luke Walton, and Jordan Farmar
Bobcats Trade: Gerald Wallace, Sean May, and Raymond Felton

The Lakers get a good defensive small forward and a good point guard. The Bobcats get a talented big man, a pass-first small forward, and a point guard of the future to back up D.J. Augustin. Sean May replaces Odom as backup power forward.