Lakers Rumors: Lonzo Ball Reunion Could Be on LA's 'Radar' at NBA Trade Deadline

Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball could be on the Los Angeles Lakers' radar as the Feb. 6 trade deadline nears, per The Athletic's Jovan Buha, who spoke with Jason Timpf of Hoops Tonight on the matter (24:29 mark).

"I think Lonzo is someone that's going to be on their radar, and I think depending on the price if you could get him for a second or two seconds, I think that's an interesting swing, and also someone with that 6'6" frame that could potentially I think be similar to Bruce Brown, check a couple boxes...he's bulked up a little bit throughout his career, so he can guard twos and even some smaller threes and potentially be part of a one-through-three switching scheme. And then offensively I think especially coming off the bench as a secondary ball-handler, playmaker and also a spot-up shooter, I think he's someone who's an interesting gamble for them."

Ball, who is in the final season of a four-year, $80 million contract, has averaged 6.4 points, 3.7 assists and 1.6 steals in 20.4 minutes per game (23 contests).

Ball returned to the court this year after missing two-and-a-half seasons due to left knee injuries that led to him getting three knee surgeries, including a meniscus transplant.

Chicago is bringing him off the bench this year and limiting his playing time as he works his way back following his missed time. Understandably, Ball needs some time to shake off the rust. He's shooting 36.5 percent from the field and 33.0 percent from three-point range, thus far, below his career averages of 39.9 percent and 36.2 percent from three.

However, Ball is a fantastic and versatile defender, and as Buha noted, that would be a plus as the Lakers consider trade deadline options.

As an impending free agent, it would make sense for the Bulls to consider dealing Ball, especially with the team sitting with a 19-25 record and 10th in the Eastern Conference. The team is a fringe playoff squad at best right now, and the Bulls might best be served trading off its assets before the deadline.

Meanwhile, the Lakers need to take advantage of its championship window surrounding superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. L.A. looks like a playoff team right now, but the 23-18 Lakers are far from championship contenders as currently constituted. They could use some help at the deadline, particularly in the form of backcourt depth. Ball could certainly be the answer as the Lakers look to rise up the standings.

For now, Ball remains a Bull, and the Lakers have stood pat before the deadline, but both things could easily change as Feb. 6 looms.