Lakers Rumors: Ranking Raymond Felton and Best PG Options for Los Angeles

It's difficult to understand why the Los Angeles Lakers would trade away Lamar Odom before the season when they should have been looking into improve their backcourt play, especially at the point guard position.

What seems more ridiculous is the notion of trading away Pau Gasol, a guy who is getting the Lakers a double-double every night. 

Los Angeles, if they want a chance for another championship, should ditch the idea of trading Gasol and find point guard help before the trade deadline. 

That's exactly what they're are looking for, according to Alex Kennedy of HOOPSWORLD. 

Let's rank possible point guards that the Lakers could legitimately receive without giving up Gasol.

Raymond Felton

Portland's Raymond Felton is the Lakers best option at this point of the season. He has struggled in Portland but has proven to be a player capable of getting 13.4 points and 6.7 assists per night in his NBA career.

In 54 games with the New York Knicks last season, Felton averaged a career-high 17.1 points per game and nine assists per game.

What Los Angeles lacks is offensive weapons. Felton could get people involved after penetration and can finish around the rim. 

Felton needs a change of scenery because Portland hasn't treated him too well. He hasn't helped, either. A change to Los Angeles to play with Kobe Bryant could get him back on track. 

Kirk Hinrich

Kirk Hinrich of the Atlanta Hawks has been in the league for eight seasons. He has played well in stretches of his career, but I think he would be behind Felton if I had the option.

Hinrich averages 5.2 points, 2.4 assists and 1.7 rebounds per game. For his career, he averages 12 points and 5.5 assists per game. 

We are looking at another potential Steve Blake-type of player. He's a serviceable guy, but not enough to help the Lakers win in the postseason. 

Ramon Sessions

Ramon Sessions of the Cleveland Cavaliers is a solid player in the league, but I don't think he provides what Hinrich and Felton could on the Lakers with their experience. There's slightly more upside with Sessions over Hinrich, but I give the edge with the experience to Hinrich. 

Sessions averages 10 points, five assists and three rebounds per game. 

Adding Sessions at the deadline wouldn't take as much for the Lakers, but a first-round pick would probably be too high. 

Felton would give the Lakers experience, talent and a point guard capable of meshing with Bryant and the current roster.