The deadline was moved forward in order to allow traded players to sort out arrangements for themselves and their families, and the NBA is unlikely to move the deadline back anytime soon. Nevertheless, the trade deadline is still one of the most exciting times for NBA fans, and the seven days are likely to provide a number of twists and turns.
The Los Angeles Lakers have fallen out of the Western Conference playoff places since LeBron James suffered a groin injury back in December, and the team will be looking to improve the roster ahead of the business end of the season.
So with the trade deadline just three days away, here are three players that Magic Johnson and the Lakers are interested in bringing to Los Angeles.
#3 Trevor Ariza
The Lakers currently have a lack of depth on the wings, and Bill Oram of the Athletic has reported that the Lakers are interested in a number of wide players, with the most notable name being Trevor Ariza:
The Lakers tried to sign Ariza back in December when he was with the Phoenix Suns, although Los Angles refused to give up Josh Hart as part of a trade, and Ariza joined the Wizards instead.
Nevertheless, Washington may want less than the Suns did for the veteran, and the Lakers will be keen to be reunited with their former player.
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#2 Nikola Vucevic
The Orlando Magic were looking to trade Nikola Vucevic away during the summer of 2018, however, the 28-year-old remained in Orlando, and has since transformed into an All-Star player.
So far this season, Vucevic has averaged 20.7 points, 12.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game and the center has also kept highly rated rookie Mohamed Bamba out of the team. Nevertheless, Vucevic will become a free agent this summer, and due to this, The Athletic is reporting that the Lakers have interest in the center:
Thanks to a lack of interest from rival teams, the Lakers path to acquire Vucevic looks unopposed, however, the center’s trade value is currently at an all-time high thanks to his inclusion in the 2019 All-Star game.
Ultimately, the Lakers may have to include a member of their young core to get a deal done, and Magic Johnson may be hesitant to do this.
#1 Anthony Davis
Anthony Davis was expected to see out the remainder of the 18/19 season before making a decision on his future, however, the Pelicans superstar shocked the NBA by requesting a trade ahead of the deadline.
The Lakers have long been linked with making a move for the five-time All-star, and ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski has confirmed that the Lakers are interested in acquiring Davis:
So far this season, Davis has averaged a monstrous 29.3 points, 13.3 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game.
The Lakers have already made one underwhelming offer for the six-time All-Star, although as the team gets more desperate ahead of the deadline, the Lakers may offer a huge package for the Pelicans superstar.
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