NBA Trade Rumors 2014: L.A Lakers Interested In Bringing In Hedo Turkoglu

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly interested in bringing in veteran small forward Hedo Turkoglu, who has recently been waived by the Orlando Magic, a source close to situation reported this weekend.

With injuries continuing to hamper the Lakers this season, Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak appears to be planning another move that would give the ballclub some depth and leadership in the locker room.

According to NTV Sports writer Ismail Senol, the Lakers are considering acquiring the 34-year-old Turkoglu on a veteran minimum contract. Turkoglu, who was suspended for 24 games after testing positive for illegal substances, did not participate or appear in any of the Magic's team activities for the last few months.

"Hidayet TürkoÄŸlu won't listen any offers from Europe. He wants to stay in the NBA. Lakers and Hawks are interested," Senol posted on his Twitter account last Friday.

Hedo with the Lakers

Along with their pursuit to bring back Andrew Bynum in exchange for Pau Gasol, the Lakers are still trying hard to improve their lineup by signing talents at a bargain price.

As they set their sights on the 2014 free agency market, the Lakers require team salary-friendly contracts in every negotiation they engage in. Turkoglu appears to be an ideal candidate for the Lakers, as he's very much eager to prove he can still play in the NBA.

Prior to his setbacks, Turkoglu was one of the most versatile big men in the league because of his ability to orchestrate the offense at the forward position. During his first tenure with the Magic, the Turk was undoubtedly the team's second best player just behind Dwight Howard, helping the ballclub become a perennial playoff contender and reach the NBA Finals in 2009.

Many basketball analysts believed signing Turkoglu will be a high-risk, high-reward move for any team. After averaging just 2.9 points and 2.4 rebounds per game last season, there's little probability that Turkoglu will recapture his old form. On the other hand, there's always the possibility that Hedo can turn into a solid contributor off the bench or perhaps a game-changer in the postseason.