Lakers Rumors: Smartest Trade and Free Agency Options for Lake Show

On the brink of the NBA trade deadline, it's time to analyze who are the best options for the Lake Show to pursue.

What's more, if the Lakers come up empty at the deadline, who can they pursue via free agency come the summer?

No matter what, the Lakers need to make some moves. Their current roster is no longer sufficient to compete for the NBA title. They need some fresh new faces in town.

Who are some fresh new faces the Lakers would be wise to pursue?

Dwight Howard

Last night, Dwight Howard described his desire to finish the season in Orlando. The Magic had just beaten the Miami Heat in overtime, and Dwight expressed this desire to stay after the game. It appeared to be a dandy night for the Orlando Magic.

But it really wasn't, when you consider the depths to what Howard is doing.

He said he'll stay in Orlando, but he's not making a long-term commitment to them. Today, it appears the Magic aren't happy about being in this situation and want a commitment. If they don't receive it, they will apparently be more than willing to trade D12 prior to tomorrow's deadline.

One of the teams who will surely bid is the Lakers, and they should bid aggressively. If they have to trade blossoming center Andrew Bynum (which they would), then so be it. A player of Howard's caliber is so rare, and he'd instantly make the Lakers a title contender.

Landing Superman may be a long shot, but he's definitely a smart option to pursue.

Will Howard follow in the footsteps of Shaquille O'Neal, venturing from Disney World to Disney Land? We will soon know the answer to this.

Raymond Felton

There are rumors of Raymond Felton being traded to the Lakers, which would be a smart move for the Lakers.

In fact, Felton's a better choice than either of Kirk Hinrich or Ramon Sessions, whose names we keep hearing.

Last season with New York, he was averaging 17.1 points per game and 9.0 assists per outing before being dealt to Denver in the Carmelo Anthony trade.

Those are some quality numbers. It's not like Laker fans should expect those kind of numbers if he's soon a Laker, but even 13 PPG and 7 APG would be a significant upgrade from the Lakers' current issues at point guard.

The Lakers should go hard after Felton. He will plug their current hole and could prove to be a crucial addition down the stretch.

Michael Beasley

For many teams, acquiring Michael Beasley is not a smart decision, but it is for the Lakers.

One of the primary reasons why it's a wise decision is because of Kobe Bryant's tutelage. Beasley still has loads of potential, and a couple years spent with Kobe Bryant could help Beasley find this potential.

If the Lakers cannot acquire him in a reasonable deal prior to the trade deadline, then they should keep their eye on him this summer. He will be a restricted free agent, and there's a good chance he won't return to Minnesota.

He'd be a stellar addition, particularly on the offensive end. 

Kirk Hinrich

Kirk Hinrich is a fine back-up plan if a deal for Raymond Felton falls through.

Hinrich is a high-quality perimeter defender and would be very valuable to have to guard the likes of Russell Westbrook and Tony Parker, two elite Western Conference point guards.

What's more, Hinrich is also a stellar shooter, very capable of keeping the defense on their toes with his three-point shooting ability.

The Lakers should quickly target Hinrich—if things with Portland come to a stall.

J.J. Hickson

It's unlikely the Lakers will land J.J. Hickson prior to the trade deadline, but it wouldn't be foolish to pursue. If Pau Gasol is dealt, Hickson would make for a great replacement in a potential three-team deal.

Hickson is only 23 years old. Last season with Cleveland, he averaged 13.8 PPG and 8.7 RPG, but he hasn't received nearly as many minutes in Sacramento.

He would be well-served to find a place where he can notch consistent minutes. The Lakers would be an ideal fit if they do cast off Gasol. 

Further, he's a restricted free agent come the summer, and the Lakers could perhaps lure him then.

At any rate, the addition of Hickson would be valuable for the Lake Show, and it would also infuse them with some youth.