Lakers have reportedly been in talks for a guard ahead of the NBA trade deadline

With LeBron James sidelined for an indefinite amount of time, the Los Angeles Lakers are going to need ball-handling and playmaking from someone outside of Dennis Schröder. While it’s possible that will come from second-year guard Talen Horton-Tucker, it appears the team is looking at more experienced options.

During a recent appearance on SportsCenter, Brian Windhorst of ESPN reported that the Lakers are in the market for a guard (h/t @pickuphoop):

The Lakers have been involved in some talks for a guard. Their big play is, if Andre Drummond gets bought out from the Cleveland Cavaliers, they’re hoping to be in the front of the line to get Andre Drummond.

“Talks” means “trade talks” in most cases, and with just four days until the NBA trade deadline, that wouldn’t come as some big surprise. Assuming that’s the case, the question then becomes: how much help are they looking for?

For example, if the Lakers are looking to bring in someone that can provide some shooting and secondary playmaking off of the bench while James is out, then a trade for someone like Wayne Ellington would make sense because he’s on a veteran’s minimum contract and likely wouldn’t cost more than second-round pick.

However, if the Lakers are desperate for a guard that can play a big role with James out and when he’s back, then players that are actually in the rotation could be involved in those discussions, including Montrezl Harrell and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, both of whom make north of $9 million.

Ultimately, these talks could end up being nothing, but they’re definitely something that will be worth keeping an eye on as the trade deadline draws nearer.

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