Lakers Rumors: Analyzing Trade Buzz on Brandon Jennings, Greg Monroe and More

It wouldn't be a normal NBA trade deadline without the Los Angeles Lakers being involved in some capacity. The franchise doesn't always make moves, of course, but that doesn't mean rumors don't swirl.

The recent murmurs involve some big names like Brandon Jennings, Greg Monroe and even Dion Waiters. Ramona Shelburne of ESPN was the latest to throw out trade candidates for the Lakers:

Waiters most recently relocated from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Oklahoma City Thunder, but he still might be an intriguing trade chip. As for Jennings and Monroe, both are on a surging Detroit Pistons team that could make a run in the East.

With just over a month left before the February 19 trade deadline, here's a look at the latest buzz surrounding the Lakers.

Brandon Jennings

It's tough to imagine a world where both Kobe Bryant and Jennings are on the same team and getting off as many shots as they want. But it might be a reality if the Lakers complete a trade for the Pistons point guard.

The two would provide a formidable duo, but they also like to chuck up shots on a regular basis. Even so, Jennings' average of 20.2 points over the last five games would certainly give the Lakers offense a jolt.

Heading into the midway point of the season, Jennings has even put himself into award discussions, as Athlon Sports notes:

Jennings, who is averaging 14.9 points, 6.5 assists and 2.7 rebounds per game this season, would seem worthy of that consideration if the Pistons continue their current hot streak. 

If he did come to Hollywood, he wouldn't just provide a solid contributor for this season. At 25 years old, Jennings would give the Lakers a player to build around. For a franchise lacking a true star outside of Bryant, Detroit's floor general seems like a good fit.

Greg Monroe

From one Pistons star to another: Monroe is in his fifth year with Detroit, averaging 15.1 points and 9.6 rebounds. Much like his teammates, Monroe is thriving right now, with seven double-doubles in eight games this month.

Seth Klein of FantasyPros offered his take on the young big man:

The Lakers have tried with productive big men like Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol in the past, only to watch them walk in free agency. While Monroe is almost as productive as those two, he doesn't quite have the star power to this point.

If L.A. did find a way to bring in the big man, the 24-year-old would be another piece to build around. Unlike with Jennings, the Lakers would get a high-percentage shooter who's also low-maintenance.

Dion Waiters

Just a short period after being dealt to the Thunder, Waiters' name is already popping back up in trade rumors. The swap seemed like an ideal transaction for the New York Knicks and Cavaliers, but it might have simply provided OKC with a trade chip.

Waiters does fill a need for the Thunder at shooting guard, but he didn't exactly get off to the best start in Oklahoma City. After going 1-of-9 for four points in his first game, Waiters shot 7-of-14 with 15 points in his second.

Though he was typically a productive player for the Cavs over two seasons and change, he is shooting .400 this year and .247 from three-point range. Both numbers are down from his average and have to be troubling for any trading partner.

If the Lakers do look to make a move, they will likely try to get Waiters at a low cost. After all, it's not like L.A. has a wealth of promising prospects of its own to deal to a potential suitor.

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