Lakers Rumors: Players That Could Bolster Los Angeles' Roster

The Los Angeles Lakers clearly need to bolster their roster if they want to return to the NBA Finals. While there is no shortage of available players, the team is restricted in the moves it can make.

Thanks to a few bad contracts and very little trade assets, the Lakers could very easily be forced to stand pat as we approach the season's opening tipoff and beyond.

That being said, it is unlikely the team allows that to happen. The Lakers' options may be limited, but they are not nonexistent; there are a number of feasible acquisitions that the Lakers can explore moving forward.

Monta Ellis of Golden State Warriors

The Lakers and Warriors have held discussions regarding Monta Ellis, and while such an acquisition comes with a certain level of risk, it would be one that is worth taking for Los Angeles.

Ellis is a combo guard, and under the right tutelage he would be more than capable of handling the full-time point guard duties for Los Angeles. Ellis' ego may have been a factor in Golden State, but playing alongside one of the best to ever set foot on the hardwood would make it a non-entity.

Additionally, acquiring Ellis makes the Lakers dangerous for the foreseeable future, not just right now. Kobe Bryant will not be around forever, and Ellis is a legitimate option to build around once Bryant retires.

Ellis provides the Lakers with some extra offense as well as a solution to their point guard woes. That makes him worth any risks the team may assume by acquiring him.

Kirk Hinrich of Atlanta Hawks

Kirk Hinrich was a target of Los Angeles before he was dealt to the Hawks, and with the recent emergence of Jeff Teague in Atlanta, it is possible that he enters the discussion once again.

Additionally, given that Hinrich's $8 million contract is set to come off the books next summer, he could become readily available.

Hinrich is a deft shooter, especially from three-point range, where he knocked down nearly 40 percent of his attempts last season. He is also a clear upgrade over Derek Fisher. He is agile and plays very unselfish basketball. On the defensive end, Hinrich hounds opponents and forces steals. His court vision is commendable as well.

The Lakers are in need of a capable point guard, and the 30-year-old Hinrich is just that. If by some chance acquiring him turned out not to be the right move, the team could let him walk away next summer.

Hinrich is a low-risk, high-reward acquisition, which is something Los Angeles should be very interested in.

Ramon Sessions of Cleveland Cavaliers

The inclusion of yet another guard shows a pattern here. With the Lakers in desperate need of a solution to their point guard conflict, Ramon Sessions is a young player that could bolster their roster.

Los Angeles was among the teams that inquired about Sessions' availability just before this year's draft, and given that they haven't yet filled the vacancy at the point, it would be wise of the Lakers to make another call to the Cavaliers.

Sessions plays very unselfish basketball but hasn't yet had the luxury of stability. If the Lakers could provide him with even a taste of continuity, the 25-year-old has the potential to thrive.

Sessions is already a solid playmaker, and he continues to improve his jump shot. Within the right system and under favorable circumstances, he could exceed the wildest of expectations.

The Lakers can provide both, making Sessions' development a bandwagon that they should consider jumping on.

Baron Davis of Cleveland Cavaliers

Baron Davis, like Sessions, is a member of the Cavaliers, but for how much longer remains to be seen.

Davis has been rumored to be the player of choice for Cleveland to use its amnesty clause on, and the Lakers are on his list of potential destinations should he hit the open market.

Offensively, Davis is still a great scorer and playmaker. He boasts a post-up game that most other point guards don't, and his 12 years of experience are a great asset in terms of directing offenses.

At 32, Davis is not a youthful entity, but he is an upgrade over the 37-year-old Fisher. He has maintained his mobility despite staving off injuries, whereas Fisher has steadily succumbed to the rigors of age.

Davis may be overpaid in Cleveland, but if he hits the open market he will be signed for a fraction of his current salary. If that becomes the case, a homecoming for the Los Angeles native is far from out of the question.

Dwight Howard of Orlando Magic

All of Los Angeles' other endeavors have the potential to be put on hold until Dwight Howard's status with the Orlando Magic is resolved.

It has long been considered that the Lakers are prepared to offer up a package of at least Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom in exchange for Dwight Howard and possibly J.J. Redick.

Acquiring Howard not only provides a clear upgrade in terms of dominance and consistency over Bynum, but it opens up the floor even more for Bryant. Howard has become more than capable on the offensive end, and his prowess on the defensive end is matched by no one.

An array of teams are sure to inquire about Howard's services, but the Lakers have the luxury of being able to offer up a competent big man in return.

The Lakers are clearly looking to bolster their roster, and it would be near impossible for them to do much better than Howard.

You can follow Dan Favale on Twitter here @Dan_Favale.