Lakers Trade Rumors: Power Ranking the Lakers Options Going into the Deadline
The Los Angeles Lakers have been the most-mentioned team this season as far as trade rumors go. Dwight Howard, Ramon Sessions and Michael Beasley have all been mentioned, but which are really the best options for the Lakers?
The Lakers need a point guard and help off the bench, so those should be the main priorities. However, acquiring a center like Howard is a one-time opportunity and must be looked at also.
Here are the Lakers' options going into the deadline ranked in order of what is best for the team.
1. Trading for Ramon Sessions
1 of 5The Lakers need help at the point guard position and are in talks to get Ramon Sessions from the Cleveland Cavaliers.
So why is this the best option? Because the Lakers could acquire Sessions without breaking up their big three of Kobe Bryant, Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol.
Sessions is a cheap option that has the potential to be a big pay off for the Lake Show. He is averaging 10 points and five assists off the bench for Cleveland and could do even better in LA.
2. Trading for Michael Beasley
2 of 5I know that Michael Beasley is a surprising No. 2 option here, but the reasoning is similar to that of Ramon Sessions.
The Lakers are reportedly interested in Beasley, and it appears that he could be had by them pretty cheaply. He could provide a great spark off their bench, as he's averaging 11 points and 4.6 rebounds per game off the bench for the Minnesota Timberwolves right now.
He's also shooting 45 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range. His size and versatility also make him valuable. Plus, he could come cheaply enough that the Lakers could nab both him and Sessions.
3. Trading Pau Gasol for Josh Smith
3 of 5I know that recent rumors have discussed Pau Gasol being traded to the Chicago Bulls, but that deal is unlikely because the Bulls don't appear to be willing to give the Lakers the type of players they want. Acquiring Carlos Boozer is not what the Lakers are looking for.
This trade for Josh Smith makes much more sense. Smith is a versatile forward that can play the three or four and would add athleticism to a Lakers team that needs it.
The owner of the Atlanta Hawks has dispelled any trade rumors about Smith, but I think it would be tough for him to turn down this deal. Gasol makes sense for the Hawks as a guy who can take pressure off of Al Horford in the front court.
4. Stand Pat
4 of 5This isn't the most popular option, but it is better than many of the others floating out there.
The Lakers have two seven-footers in the paint and a bona fide superstar scorer on the perimeter. No other NBA team has that combination, which gives the Lakers a chance in any playoff series.
They won't contend as they are now, but it is better to stay as they are rather than mortgage their future on a risky trade or signing.
5. Trade Andrew Bynum for Dwight Howard
5 of 5I don't like this option much, unlike many others out there who do.
The truth is that there just isn't much of a difference between Andrew Bynum and Dwight Howard. Bynum is a bit better offensively and a bit worse defensively. Howard is a bit smaller, but a bit more athletic.
Bynum is younger and has more room to grow. Plus, he's used to playing with Kobe Bryant, and we know the two can win together.
I just don't think that trading away a young piece like Bynum for Howard is worth it, especially when Howard has stated that he doesn't want to be traded to L.A. and that he wants to be "The Man" wherever he goes (that ain't happening on a team with Kobe).
