LA Lakers Trade Rumors: Power Ranking Potential Deals for the Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the many teams rumored to be big players in the trade market, and some of these deals are much better than others. 

Guards such as Gilbert Arenas, Ramon Sessions, Jonny Flynn, Steve Nash and Rajon Rondo have all been linked to the Lakers, and of course you can't forget about Dwight Howard having Purple and Gold near the top of his wish list.

If the Lakers are going to reach the NBA Finals this year, the roster definitely needs an upgrade. Kobe Bryant can win big in the regular season, but during a playoff series, he needs help from everyone. including the bench.  

With that said, I rank the top three players the Lakers should pursue the most. 

1. Dwight Howard 

This is clearly a no-brainer. The price may be high, but the reward is definitely worth it. 

Howard is the best center in the NBA, and the Lakers' future would remain bright with him on the team. Howard and Kobe working together would be a lot fun to watch, and once Kobe retires, the Lakers still have a central piece to build around. 

Of course, this is also probably the most difficult one to pursue. The Orlando Magic are quite stubborn, and there's a strong chance they hold on to Howard past the March 15 trade deadline and hope for the best in the offseason. 

The Lakers have the players to trade for Howard, it's just comes down to whether both parties can actually come to an agreement. 

Still, there's no denying that landing Howard is the best possible move the Lakers could make right now. 

2. Rajon Rondo 

Derek Fisher and Steve Blake are not the guys capable of leading the Lakers to an NBA championship. Los Angeles needs an upgrade at point guard, but actually getting one is proving difficult.

There are options out there, but it's Rondo that is the best one. Giving up Pau Gasol would be devastating, but facing Kobe and Rondo side by side would create many problems for opposing teams. 

If this deal were to go down, it would mean more pressure for Andrew Bynum to finally become the force the Lakers have always expected and needed him to be. 

A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com said there's nothing to the Rondo-Gasol rumor, but that doesn't mean the Lakers wouldn't want Rondo. 

Even though it might prove extremely difficult, Rondo is the best point guard the Lakers can potentially land.

3. Steve Nash 

We've already addressed that the Lakers are in dire need of point guard help. Of the players they've been linked to, other than Rondo, Nash is the next best bet. 

Sure, he may be 38 years old and lacks the defense the Lakers really need, but he does know how to manage a game, and Los Angeles would love that. 

Despite his age, Nash can still produce at a high level. Currently, he's averaging 15 points and 10 assists per game. He would be a instant upgrade to the Lakers roster and would certainly make them the favorites in the Western Conference. 

It's uncertain if the Lakers would actually go for Nash, considering his age and the fact he's set to hit the free-agent market in the offseason. However, he would be a splendid addition. Plus, he'd be extra motivated because he knows this could be his best (and last) shot at a ring. 

The Lakers have a lot to think about in the coming weeks, and there's no guarantee they make any moves at all. However, these are the three players that would give them the best shot at winning, but it's a mystery if GM Mitch Kupchak and the Lakers actually do what's necessary to consummate any of the deals.