Lakers News: Analyzing Trade-Deadline Rumblings on Goran Dragic and More

It's time for the Los Angeles Lakers to look to the future.

The team holds a 13-40 record—good enough for 27th in the NBA—and is currently riding a six-game losing streak. Not only did Los Angeles lose promising rookie Julius Randle for the year before he even got going, but it lost both Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant as well.

As the Lakers continue to drift along in mediocrity, the Feb. 19 trade deadline is fast approaching, and the team actually has a couple of options. Los Angeles is a team in need of a major overhaul, and the way things look, general manager Mitch Kupchak may not be inclined to wait until the summer to start the process.

The Phoenix Suns placed guard Goran Dragic on the trade block, asking for a first-round pick in return. According to Marc Stein of ESPN.com, the Lakers were entertaining the idea:

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The Lakers, meanwhile, also have coveted Dragic for some time and likewise are said to be intent on testing the Suns' resolve when it comes to their Slovenian point guard. Sources say L.A. plans to chase Dragic this summer anyway with an aggressive four-year offer that would be valued as high as an estimated $80 million if it approaches max-contract territory.

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The asking price makes sense, as Dragic has been an extremely valuable player this season, averaging 16.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game while shooting 50.1 percent from the floor. He's certainly a player the Lakers could build around; however, the price would have to be right.

After all, the way things are going right now, the Lakers would not have to relinquish their 2015 first-round pick to the Suns (top-five protected) as part of the 2012 Steve Nash trade. And based on a talented upcoming draft class, keeping the selection may be more beneficial for the future of the franchise. Not to mention Dragic's four-year, $30 million contract is up after this season, and he could simply elect hit the open market this summer.

There are varying opinions on what the Lakers should do in this scenario, but a report from Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports revealed what's most likely to happen:

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The Suns haven't completely closed the door on possible Dragic trades, but that scenario is extremely unlikely, league sources said. The Suns' asking price would be high—a young player with All-Star potential and significant draft compensation—and any deal would have to be with a team that Dragic wants to sign an extension.

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Los Angeles may not have what the Suns are looking for in return, and it doesn't appear as if Phoenix is actually intent on trading the guard anyway.

So, if Dragic isn't in the cards for the Lakers, are they likely to make any moves by the trade deadline? Well, according to a tweet from Sam Amick of USA Today, there's still a chance that a deal is made:

Apparently, the Lakers may be in negotiations with the Suns after all—it just may be regarding a different player.

Miles Plumlee is in his third year out of Duke and shows promise. He averaged 8.1 points and 7.8 rebounds last season; however, his numbers have diminished this year after losing the starting gig at center. Plumlee has potential and doesn't come with a high price tag, making this a feasible deal for the asset-lacking Lakers.

Currently, Los Angeles has a bit of a crowded frontcourt, but adding some upside—with a minimal salary of $2.1 million in 2015, per Spotrac.com—isn't a bad option for a team that's in need of some longevity and consistency across the board.