Lakers Trade Rumors: Raymond Felton Is Best Possible PG Option for LA

Although they are hanging tough in fifth place in the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Lakers are a team in need of a shakeup. One way to do that would be to acquire a much-needed point guard, and disgruntled Portland Trail Blazer Raymond Felton is the perfect option.

According to Chris Haynes of CSN Northwest, the Blazers and Lakers have been discussing a deal that would send Felton to Los Angeles in exchange for guard Steve Blake. It's unclear whether any other pieces would be involved in the deal, and it doesn't exactly seem to be imminent.

If there is any possibility of it happening, though, the Lakers need to pounce on the trade. Felton is having the worst season of his career as he is averaging just over 10 points and six assists per game, and he is at odds with head coach Nate McMillan, but he has a great track record of success.

While with the New York Knicks last season Felton had a career season, averaging more than 17 points and nine assists per contest before being dealt to the New York Knicks as part of the Carmelo Anthony trade. He likely wouldn't put up numbers that good with the Lakers since New York has a high-tempo offense, but his career averages of roughly 13 points and seven assists would suffice.

The Lakers get almost nothing out of the point guard position as Derek Fisher is on his last legs, Blake isn't a starting-caliber player, and both Andrew Goudelock and Darius Morris are in the early stages of development. Because of that, taking a chance on Felton is a no-brainer at this point.

Right now, the Lakers really don't have a ton of options if they want to improve at point guard. Signing Gilbert Arenas is a thought, but he's aging and isn't much of a distributor. They could also trade for Cleveland Cavaliers' point guard Ramon Sessions, but Felton has been a more productive player. Failing that, LA would have to construct a blockbuster trade that would likely involve Pau Gasol or Andrew Bynum.

From the sound of it, the Lakers might be able to get a solid point guard in return for a bench player who simply hasn't meshed well to this point. Also, since Felton is only signed through this season, there doesn't have to be a big commitment from the Lakers as they could just let him go if he is unable to integrate into the system.

The Lakers' two biggest issues right now are the lack of a point guard and a wing scorer. If they are able to get Felton into the fold it will allow them to put a big check mark next to the former. Kobe Bryant could really use some help in the backcourt, and if Felton returns to his form of any past year, he will be a major help.

Los Angeles is a contender in the Western Conference thanks to Bryant, Bynum and Gasol, but I have a hard time seeing the team getting past the Oklahoma City Thunder as they are currently constructed. The Lakers simply have too many holes in their lineup and not enough quality depth to make up for it.

The Blazers appear ready to give up on Felton, but he has been a good NBA player for quite some time, so the Lakers have nothing to lose in acquiring him. If a Felton-for-Blake deal is on the table, LA would be crazy not to take it.