The Los Angeles Lakers could be active before the trade deadline, or they could simply wait and rebuild through the upcoming draft and free agency. Basketball Insiders' Steve Kyler weighed in on the Lakers, who have two Disabled Player Exceptions to use if they so desire.
Los Angeles (9-22) is headed to the NBA draft lottery for the second straight year. That being said, the team can either pursue a trade this season or wait to rebuild through the 2015 draft and free agency classes. Kyler listed some of the options general manager Mitch Kupchak has ahead of him.
Per Kyler:
"As for the pick, we'll know after the draft lottery. If they land a pick in the top five they keep it. As for trades, they have their two Disabled Player Exceptions and are willing to make deals, but they just don't have much others want.
"If Tarik Black shows real promise, you might see the Lakers try and deal Robert Sacre - mainly because they might get a second round draft pick back for him. The Lakers were in the mix for Rondo and they were after Josh Smith so it's not like they are sitting out the market, just not winning anything they want."
If the Lakers do come across an appealing trade offer, Kyler speculated it could come from the Brooklyn Nets, who're reportedly willing to part with overpaid stars Deron Williams, Joe Johnson and Brook Lopez.
As Kyler mentioned, the Lakers have been active on the phones. One potential target could also be Phoenix Suns guard Goran Dragic, who has the option to become a free agent this summer. The 2015 free agency class also includes Greg Monroe and Marc Gasol.
If the Lakers want to make a trade for this season, they have until Feb. 19.
