Lakers Trade Rumors: LA Must Heed Kobe Bryant's Request for Gilbert Arenas

The LA Lakers' nonchalance is about to cost them the season, and Kobe Bryant is the only person who makes sense anymore. 

This has been a wildly enigmatic season for Lakers fans. The franchise that is known to pile on talent is getting quite comfortable with their station in life as a mediocre basketball team. 

In a bizarre turn, if you want a team in LA that is after more talent despite a star-studded roster, you need to look across the hall. The Clippers continue to best the Lakers in every way, and that includes key acquisitions. 

They landed Kenyon Martin and are close to getting JR Smith. ESPN's Marc Stein reports Chris Paul was confident the Clippers would land the former Nuggets wing player and stated: 

"

I think our chances are very high. Who knows J.R. better than me?

"

Counter this with the Lakers, another team that is desperate for talent of any measure to grace their inconsistent team and aging backcourt. 

Ben Bolch of The LA Times reports Lakers officials took a look at Gilbert Arenas and were unimpressed. Kobe Bryant was asked about playing with Agent Zero and he stated: 

"

It surely wouldn't hurt. 

"

When asked about Arenas' issues, Bryant stated: 

"

Everybody makes mistakes. He'll be fine.

"

He merely mentioned, "Hibachi," when asked about what the former Magic player would bring. This is a direct reference to Arenas' moniker for scorching-hot scoring nights. 

Consider Arenas the best sort of gamble for the Lakers, a low-risk, high-reward former superstar. Instead, the Lakers will continue to twiddle their thumbs and wait for the perfect player to fall in their lap via trade. 

Bolch writes: 

"

Although General Manager Mitch Kupchak attended a workout involving Arenas on Sunday at a Bel-Air practice court, a person familiar with the organization's thinking but not authorized to discuss it publicly said the Lakers did not have serious interest in signing the three-time All-Star.

"

This is the point where we demand to see what's up Kupchak's sleeve, but the fear is that there is no end game here. 

The Lakers will continue to wade the waters of meager means while better teams continue to pull away from them. 

If they are going to find that diamond in the rough, the time is to try them in this offense now. Arenas would come on the cheap and could be cast off if he is more trouble than he is worth. 

The Black Mamba may not be a general manager, but he can sniff out a competitor, and I have faith in his instincts. The time is now for Arenas to come to LA. 

Follow @gabezal