Lakers Rumors: Team Must Temper Expectations in Pursuit of Goran Dragic

Goran Dragic to the Los Angeles Lakers is beginning to sound like a legitimate possibility. Just not before Thursday's trade deadline. 

The Dragic saga has featured more twists and turns than an M. Night Shyamalan movie. First, when the Phoenix Suns had the brilliant idea to amass ALL of the NBA's point guards, it seemed inevitable that Dragic—a free agent in the summer—was as good as gone.

Then, on Tuesday, Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Suns, believing they can re-sign Dragic, were much more likely to deal Isaiah Thomas and Gerald Green. 

A day later and—surprise!—it turns out that's actually not the case. Just like everyone thought, Dragic has no plans of re-signing, and he has a list of preferred suitors, per Wojnarowski: 

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After informing the Phoenix Suns that Goran Dragic won't re-sign an extension this summer, agent Bill Duffy delivered the Phoenix Suns a list of preferred trade destinations that includes the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks and Miami Heat, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

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That sound you hear is the collective perking of ears from every resident in the Los Angeles area. Dragic, one of the game's best offensive point guards, is an obviously enticing target. 

But Lakers fans shouldn't expect the team to complete a deal in the next two days. 

First of all, Phoenix's price is extraordinarily high: 

Well, the Lakers have one All-Star, but he's out for the season and is sort of the face of the franchise. They have a potential All-Star in Julius Randle. But he's also out for the year, and this would be the definition of selling low. They have a lottery pick, although that could already be on the way to Phoenix if they fall out of the top five, so that's out of the discussion. 

With the Suns apparently holding firm and several other suitors in the mix, L.A. just doesn't have the assets to acquire Dragic. 

ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported that talks between the two sides didn't get anywhere: 

Moreover, Mitch Kupchak and Co. are more likely to stay put at the deadline due to the chance of signing Dragic in the summer: "The Lakers, sources say, strongly appeal to Dragic in free agency and are aware of his interest," wrote ESPN.com's Marc Stein. 

It makes sense. With Kobe Bryant nearing the end of his career (and contract), the Lakers could be Dragic's team by the 2016-17 season. That's a strong sell to a player who has been better when he can be the primarily ball-handler. 

So, when the 3 p.m. ET deadline comes and goes without the Lakers making a major splash, rest assured that doesn't mean Dragic is out of the team's future plans.