NBA Trade Rumors: Raymond Felton Remains Most Practical Option for LA Lakers

One of the more popular trade rumors floating around is that the Los Angeles Lakers have interest in Raymond Felton of the Portland Trail Blazers, a move that would make sense for both sides.

And as Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com is reporting, the teams see the logic in the exchange as well:

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A league source has informed CSNNW.com that the Los Angeles Lakers and the Portland Trail Blazers have had "exploratory talks" regarding Trail Blazers' guard Raymond Felton.

According to the source, talks have been ongoing for weeks and it is likely to involve Lakers' guard Steve Blake in the deal.

CSNNW.com has also been told that terms of this potential deal "haven't got off the ground" but it is one that is being considered by both sides.

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Felton hasn't been very good this year, though that could simply be him not fitting into coach Nate McMillan's offense.

In fact, Felton has been so disappointing that John Canzano of The Oregonian felt compelled to write the following about him in an article lamenting the Blazers locker room issues this year: "Raymond Felton, 1 for 9 against Minnesota, has been awful. He's playing a season-long shooting game named: W-O-R-S-E. Thank goodness Felton's contract is expiring. He's tradable because of it."

Ouch.

Felton recently lost his starting job to Jamal Crawford, so it's easy to see why the Blazers would be fine moving him.

However, after everything I just mentioned, why would the Lakers want him?

For one, he'll come cheap. What's more, he's certainly an upgrade over any point guard currently on the roster. A change of scenery might help Felton revitalize his game from last year, which saw him post 15.5 points and 8.3 assists per game.

Against the Miami Heat on Sunday, the Lakers looked like a team more in need of a subtle addition or two rather than a sweeping overhaul. Their ability to play solid defense, beat teams on the block with Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol and ride Kobe Bryant when needed suddenly seemed like a winning formula.

Felton could be a small but meaningful addition to round out the roster and could be had without the team needing to move a vital asset.

The deal makes a lot of sense for the Lakers—don't be surprised if it happens.

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