link http://bleacherreport.com/articles/...-potential-targets-for-the-los-angeles-lakers NBA Trade Rumors: Carl Landry and Potential Targets for the Los Angeles Lakers By Ethan Norof If the Los Angeles Lakers hope to have a chance at repeating as champions for the third consecutive season, the team is going to have to make a move. After the team's recent shellacking at the hands of the Boston Celtics, even general manager Mitch Kupchak says it may be time to make a move. With the exception of Lamar Odom, the Los Angeles bench hasn't exactly lived up to expectations. Newcomer Steve Blake has failed to make a favorable impression despite the down play of starter Derek Fisher, both Theo Ratliff and Matt Barnes have spent significant time on the shelf with injuries, and Joe Smith has barely gotten off the bench since arriving in the Sasha Vujacic trade. And with Andrew Bynum now complaining of soreness in his non-surgically repaired knee, things are about to get really dicey out in Hollywood if no move is made. Having said that, here are a few candidates that the Lakers could realistically target as we approach the Feb. 24 trade deadline: Carl Landry, F Sacramento Kings Playing under a one-year, $3 million contract, Landry is anything but a financial burden.With the crowded frontcourt rotation in Sacramento that consists of DeMarcus Cousins, Samuel Dalembert, Jason Thompson, Omri Casspi and Donte Greene, it's an absolute dogfight for minutes. If the Kings sent Landry to LA, he would immediately carve out a niche in the rotation backing up both forward spots and logging significant action in the "tough guy" role that the Lakers severely lack. Terrence Williams, SF Houston Rockets After spending the early part of the season wasting his talents in New Jersey, Williams still can't manage to get off the bench in Houston. Unless the team ultimately plans on using him in an effort to land Carmelo Anthony, it's rather unclear why the Rockets chose to bring him aboard. An incredibly versatile athlete, Williams would instantly boost the Lakers' second unit and usurp Luke Walton's undeserved role in the rotation. J.R. Smith, SG Denver Nuggets Coach George Karl is hot and cold with his enigmatic sharpshooter off of the bench, and if he ever falls back into the doghouse, the Lakers would be smart to make a push. Although Smith's hotheadedness isn't going to earn him any immediate praise with Phil Jackson or the Lakers should he be dealt, he would immediately provide a spark off the bench that the team has lacked for far too long. Brandon Rush, SG Indiana Pacers Rush has recently fallen out of favor with the Pacers, and his best chance at regaining value may come via trade. If the rebuilding Pacers hope to turn the momentum of the underachieving franchise around, extra draft picks will certainly help to right the ship. A young, raw and athletic Devin Ebanks and a second-round selection may be enough to lure the Pacers into sending Rush west to California. Marreese Speights, PF Philadelphia 76ers Speights is seeing his playing time fluctuate under Doug Collins, and it's no secret that the Sixers are always looking for ways to tinker with and improve the roster. While it's not clear that the franchise would be willing to give up on him entirely, Speights is a much more attractive option than either Joe Smith or Theo Ratliff, and actually would have considerable upside if given 20-25 minutes per night. And with Andrew Bynum's inability to stay healthy, Speights is looking like a really promising trade prospect.
i think he'd be a great back up point for them. Blake isn't quick or athletic enough and Brown is more of a SG. However, i think they're just speculating he was acquired purely as trade bait, but i think Houston wants to hang on to him longer to see wha the has, unless of course a great deal comes along. I doubt that would be a deal with LA though.
It clearly states... "the Lakers could realistically target." Meaning, there is no inclination that the Lakers are really even interested in any of these players. -Even, in a fan's dream world, what possibly would the Rockets want from the Lakers in exchange outside of Gasol and Bryant???
Lakers want O.J. Mayo according to Marc Stein. I wonder if the generous Grizz will donate to the Lakers threepeat cause this season?
I just don't see morey being intrested in anyone in the LA squad, besides Bynum, but even then it's a risky move due to his injury history. Twill is going to stay in Houston unless he is dealt in any Carmelo deal. Yes, I'm still hoping for the best I'm a fan it's what we are meant to do.
T-Will doesn't fit the Triangle Offense. And Carl Landry PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE STAY AWAY FROM THE PLAGUED CORRUPT EVIL ORGANIZATION THAT IS THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS! I'd be interested in dumping Chase Budinger on them, though. Chase Budinger for Shannon Brown