NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers Want Terrence Ross, Wayne Ellington Amid Ariza Discussions

The Los Angeles Lakers continue to be linked with more and more players as the latest reports indicate they are interested in Orlando Magic guard/forward Terrence Ross and Miami Heat guard Wayne Ellington.

The Lakers are already in discussions with the Phoenix Suns over former forward Trevor Ariza, but according to Sean Deveney of Sporting News, they are looking to add more pieces as they have been "among the most aggressive pursuers of early-season trades, hoping to shore up their depth, especially on the wing."

One of their new targets is Ross. Like many of Los Angeles' post-LeBron James signings, the 27-year-old will be a free agent next summer, so bringing him in wouldn't hinder their cap space in 2019 when they look to add a top free agent.

However, Deveney notes that Ross' asking price might be out of the Lakers' range, especially as he is averaging 14.1 points from 45.3 percent shooting over 27 games this season.

Another target is Miami's Ellington, a former Laker like Ariza. Also a free agent in the summer, Ellington is averaging 9.7 points over 17 games this season and is a three-point specialist with 38 percent career shooting from beyond the arc.

The Lakers could definitely use more help when it comes to three-point range, but as Deveney pointed out, Ellington has the power to veto a potential trade. However, as Miami continue to struggle this season with a current 11-16 record, the 31-year-old's name continues to come up in trade discussions. According to Deveney's sources, Miami is open to dealing him if they can get a first-round pick in return.

In addition to the duo, the Lakers are also said to be looking to add another big man to the side, despite signing Tyson Chandler last month who has contributed to their upturn in form. There aren't many available on the market though, with the Magic's Nikola Vucevic being rumored. Coincidentally, Vucevic has been linked with the Lakers but as part of a potential three-team trade for Anthony Davis that would see him then go to the New Orleans Pelicans.

For now, the Lakers want to keep their young core and the fact that their recent targets are all free agents in the summer indicates "that the front office’s strategy has not changed" as they look to pair up James with a marquee signing in the summer. The likes of Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard and Klay Thompson among others, have been rumored.

And of course, these recent targets would also help the Lakers and their playoff chances this season. After starting the season with a poor 2-5 record, the Lakers are now fifth in the Western Conference with a 17-11 record, with seven wins in their last 11 games.

It looks increasingly likely that they will make the playoffs for the first time since 2013, and with the Houston Rockets and Utah Jazz notably underperforming this season while the Golden State Warriors have had their own problems, the Lakers believe they could reach the NBA Finals in James' first season.