Lakers Trade Rumors: LA Shouldn't Give Up on Making a Big Trade

The Los Angeles Lakers thought they had Chris Paul, but when the NBA killed the deal, it left them in a huge bind. However, now that Paul is off the market, it doesn't mean the Lakers should no longer pursue any other possible trades. 

On Wednesday, the Orlando Magic ended trade talks for Dwight Howard, but deep down they know the NBA's best center could walk away at the end of the season. That means if the Lakers can put together a lucrative deal, they still have a slim chance at landing Howard. 

That small chance is still enough hope for the Lakers to keep fighting to make a deal. Even if they're unable to get Howard, Los Angeles still needs to do something to boost its roster for the upcoming season.  

Sticking with what they have isn't enough for a championship run, and waiting for next year's draft to acquire more talent isn't a wise decision because it wastes another year for Kobe Bryant. 

Howard is the best option out there, but if the Lakers don't want to give up so much to get him, they have to look elsewhere. 

Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said on Monday that, "We are pursuing big deals right now. More than one big deal." 

With Paul no longer available and the Magic being stubborn about Howard, Lakers fans better hope Kupchak meant more than two big deals.

Since sending Lamar Odom to the Dallas Mavericks, the Lakers did pick up a big body in Josh McRoberts.

However, they still need an upgrade at point guard and could use a better swing man, too. That is, unless they're confident that after the name change, Metta World Peace will shine.

According to Mike Bresnahan of the L.A. Times, the Lakers worked out free agent Troy Murphy, but adding him isn't the missing link to a title run. 

Since the Clippers do have multiple point guards now, the Lakers could pursue a trade for Mo Williams or the young Eric Bledsoe. The Lakers would love to have Chauncey Billups, but he can't be traded right now so they would need the Clippers to drop him. 

There are options out there for the Lakers, they just have to dig deep and strike a deal. While they'd prefer to land Howard, if it doesn't happen, they can not give up on doing whatever it takes to strengthen the roster. 

Going through several changes right now, the Lakers need to make sure they have the pieces in place to remain the top team in Los Angeles.