Lakers insider reveals two realistic trade targets

Year in and year out, the Los Angeles Lakers are tied to the biggest names in the game. However, given the salary cap, the draft assets involved and other teams' needs, those rumors rarely come to fruition.

That's likely to be the case again this season. While some fans would love them to land the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo, that's likely not going to happen.

Instead, Lakers insider Jovan Buha revealed that instead of landing a star, head coach JJ Redick might have to settle with three-and-D role players.

The Lakers won't trade for a star

“Keon Ellis and De'Andre Hunter, though, these are two guys that I think are much more realistic,” Buha said on his YouTube channel. “Keon, it really comes down to the price and if Sacramento is going to hold strong in terms of demanding a first-round pick for him. If they lower that price, I think that the Lakers can certainly get in the mix.”

The insider then discussed potential trade packages to get Ellis and Hunter to Southern California.

“If it’s Gabe [Vincent] and Maxi [Kleber] and a second, sure [for Hunter],” Buha continued. “If it’s Gabe, Maxi and Dalton [Knecht], and a second, sure. But if it’s Rui [Hachimura] or if it’s a first, I’m not really interested in getting DeAndre Hunter.”

The Lakers already have more than enough scoring and star power, so GM Rob Pelinka would be doing the right thing by improving their supporting cast.

They would probably still need a defensive-minded big man after these trades, but with Ellis and Hunter haunting opposing shooters in the perimeter while also knocking down long-range shots of their own, this team should fare much better in the final stretch of the season.