Lakers Trade Rumors: Deron Williams Likely Available

The Lakers have been looking for a quality point guard all season long.

One of the best point guards in the NBA may have just become available.

Deron Williams could be put on the trade market by the Nets before Thursday's trade deadline.

Williams will be a free agent at the end of the season. The Nets have been hoping to pair the point guard and Dwight Howard together the in the offseason. However, that no longer seems like a possibility.

Reports say Howard will opt in for the final year of his contract. If that happens, Howard will not become a free agent until after the 2012-2013 Season.

Without Howard on the roster, chances are that Williams will not choose to re-sign with the Nets.

If New Jersey doesn't think they can sign Williams to a contract extension, they will probably look to trade Williams and get some value for him.

The Lakers are a perfect trading partner for the Nets.

They can offer New Jersey another star player that is still relatively young, in Pau Gasol. Both players make a lot of money so it won't be difficult to match up salaries in a potential deal.

Los Angeles gets what they need--a good young point guard. New Jersey gets a big man who can rebound that they can pair up with Brook Lopez.

L.A. would likely jump at the chance to get Williams. Their starting point guard, Derek Fisher, is 37 years old. Williams would help the Lakers this year, and for years to come.

It'd be hard for the Nets to get a better player in exchange for Williams than Gasol. He's one of the best frontcourt players in the league and would bring championship experience to a very young team.

The Lakers have been trying to obtain Howard since he requested a trade in December. Ironically, his decision to stay in Orlando could help L.A. get one of the best players in the NBA.