NBA Trade Rumors: Carmelo Anthony and Top 10 Targets for the L.A. Lakers
With the resurgence of teams like the San Antonio Spurs and the Dallas Mavericks, the Los Angeles Lakers suddenly seem to be falling behind.
Not only that, but powerhouses like Boston and Miami in the East have given the Lakers trouble.
If L.A. has any chance of repeating as NBA champions, they need to make a move by the trade deadline—and they have their eyes set on some big names.
No. 10: Brandon Rush, Indiana Pacers
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With injuries plaguing the bench of the Lakers, Rush may be a good fit to play behind Kobe Bryant.
He is only in his second year out of Kansas and has shown a lot of potential.
Averaging 10.9 PPG this year, he may be able to give the Lakers good minutes down the stretch.
No. 9: Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets
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Probably more of a dream scenario than a realistic one, acquiring Chris Paul would improve the Lakers dramatically.
Averaging close to 10 APG as well as 16.7 PPG, Paul is considered one of the best point guards in the NBA.
The Lakers would have to give up a lot, but Paul has shown he wouldn't mind leaving New Orleans.
No. 8: Zach Randolph, Memphis Grizzlies
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With not much size backing up the starting big men in Los Angeles, Randolph would be a great fit for the Lakers.
It's not out of the question that a team like Memphis would be interested in players like Andrew Bynum or Ron Artest, which are the Lakers most movable pieces.
No. 7: Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic
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Another player who would make the Lakers immediate title favorites, Dwight Howard might actually be a possibility.
It would take a lot to move him, but the statistics he brings in is irreplaceable.
An additional 13.7 RPG along with 22.4 PPG could do wonders for L.A.
No. 6: Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia 76ers
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Iguodala has been tremendous for the Sixers for the past couple of years.
He would surely be an improvement to the backcourt of the Lakers.
Philadelphia may have interest in sending him for a package including Andrew Bynum.
No. 5: Carl Landry, Sacramento Kings
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Landry is a very realistic acquisition for the Lakers.
Los Angeles wouldn't have to give up too much to get him, and he would provide some quality minutes while the Lakers deal with injuries to Barnes and Ratliff.
No. 4: Samuel Dalembert, Sacramento Kings
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Another King who may be on the move is Samuel Dalembert.
He would be a great fit in Los Angeles with Bynum possibly on the move, as well as the previous mentioned injuries.
He is a veteran in the NBA and would look good in purple and gold.
No. 3: Jose Calderon, Toronto Raptors
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Calderon has been an assist machine for Toronto this year.
With Derek Fisher only getting older, and the poor performance of Steve Blake, Calderon would be a perfect fit.
Averaging almost a double-double per game with assists and points, Calderon could be the piece that revamps the Lakers.
No. 2: Kirk Hinrich, Washington Wizards
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Similar to the playing style of Steve Blake, Kirk Hinrich has been playing great as of late.
This may be one of the most realistic trades that the Lakers might make.
They desperately need another point guard who can run the offense and with the experience of Hinrich, who is in his seventh year now, could make him that guard.
No. 1: Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets
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What a great addition this would be. Not only would this make the Lakers a favorite in the West, but the trio that they would have would be as good, if not better than, the one that the Heat have.
Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Carmelo Anthony vs. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.
The NBA would go crazy.
The addition of Carmelo is actually realistic because the Lakers and Nuggets have already started talking.
Anthony has stated many times that he wants out of Denver, and he just may get his wish.
