NBA Rumors: Lakers' Most Likely Trade Options Ranked, From Robert Covington To Andre Iguodala

The Los Angeles Lakers are constantly the subject of trade rumors and speculation, even as they own the best record in the Western Conference. L.A. is reportedly still looking to upgrade the NBA’s only roster that has two starters in the 2020 All-Star Game.

Because the Lakers gave up just about every valuable asset they owned to acquire Anthony Davis in the summer, Kyle Kuzma would likely have to be included in any deal for an impact player. There have been varying reports regarding the team’s willingness to trade the third-year forward.

The Lakers have been linked to a few potential targets in recent weeks. Will they make a deal before the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 6?

Here are three Lakers’ trade candidates, ranked according to their likelihood of being dealt to Los Angeles.

1) Robert Covington

The Wall Street Journal recently named the Lakers among five teams that have expressed interest in Covington. ESPN’s Dave McMenamin said on “The Lowe Post” that Los Angeles has checked on the availability of the Minnesota Timberwolves forward. Covington’s ability to defend wings and hit threes makes him a perfect role player on a team led by LeBron James. Covington ranks 25th out of 92 power forwards in defensive real-plus minus, and he finished third in that category last season. He’s only shooting 34.5% from behind the arc this season, but Covington made 37.2% of his threes over the previous two years.

Covington is still only 29 years old, and the $25 million he’s owed over the next two seasons is more than reasonable. His age and team-friendly contract could make it worthwhile for the Lakers to give up a young player like Kuzma.

2) Derrick Rose

Yahoo Sports has reported that the Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers are both interested in trading for the Detroit Pistons point guard. The team is likely to at least consider dealing the veteran since they are far from being a contender and have reportedly considered trading Andre Drummond. Los Angeles doesn’t have a need—or the assets—to acquire Drummond, but a playmaking guard like Rose fits the bill. He’s even gotten some All-Star buzz, averaging 18.5 points and 5.9 assists in 26.2 minutes per game.

At 31 years old with an injury-riddled career, Rose isn’t exactly the type of player that the Lakers would want to trade Kuzma for. He has, however, remained healthy this year and the two-year. $15 million contract he signed in the offseason looks more like a steal each day.

3) Andre Iguodala

When Iguodala didn’t report to training camp for the Memphis Grizzlies, it was assumed by many that he would end up with the Lakers. The veteran might find his way to Los Angeles soon enough, but it’s unlikely to be through a trade. The Lakers probably won’t deal Kuzma for a soon-to-be 36-year-old that hasn’t played all season and is set to become a free agent. Another contender, perhaps the Los Angeles Clippers or Dallas Mavericks, could beat any Lakers’ offer that doesn’t include Kuzma.

Igoudala is a buyout candidate, and the Lakers are expected to be his first choice if the Grizzlies let him walk after the trade deadline. Adding the three-time champion to defend Kawhi Leonard and Giannis Antetokounmpo this postseason could put the Lakers over the top in their quest to win a title.