NBA Trade Rumors 2014: L.A. Lakers Could Shop Pau Gasol For Evan Turner, Spencer Hawes Before Trade Deadline
The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly looking to get their lineup some upgrades through trades as the Feb. 20 deadline fast approaches.
As the Lakers continue to struggle to stay in the playoff picture, the team's front office are expected to make aggressive moves in the coming weeks with Philadelphia 76ers Evan Turner and Spencer Hawes very much available on the trading block.
Although head coach Mike D'Antoni stressed that his team is taking one step at a time, there's no quitting apparently in the Lakers locker room or their front office, led by general manager Mitch Kupchack, who might be headed into a hectic few weeks on the trading frontline.
Four-time NBA All-Star power forward Pau Gasol, perhaps the only remaining viable trade asset for the Lakers, continued to be the subject of trade speculations despite several failed tries by Los Angeles to shop him in exchange for young talents and draft picks.
Still, many basketball followers believe the Spaniard can still be moved before the trade deadline because of his fat expiring contract that many rebuilding basketball teams covet. The Boston Celtics, Charlotte Bobcats, and the Philadelphia 76ers are ballclubs capable of trading for Gasol because of the assets they have on their current roster and in the future drafts.
Sixers Evan Turner and Spencer Hawes
One ideal trade option the Lakers can grab is a potential trade with Philadelphia, who looks to be in tanking mode this season.
Like the Celtics, the Sixers have the talents on their roster and a significant number of draft picks to make some major moves. General manager Sam Hinkie has as well expressed his desire to move some of his players in exchange for first-round picks as he looks to add another piece to play alongside budding point guard Michael Carter-Williams and center Nerlens Noel.
"With the rebuilding Sixers targeting the 2014 draft, Evan Turner and Spencer Hawes are expendable. Both could find themselves elsewhere following the deadline, and both would be solid additions to the Lakers' rotation," Bleacher Report stated.
Turner, who will become a restricted free agent after this season, is averaging a career-best 18.5 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game this season. His impact in the game is beyond his stats, because of his ability to guard elite swingmen in the league. Meanwhile, Hawes continued to pile in good numbers this year as he's averaging 14.1 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game at center position. Getting Hawes and Evans will fill up the loopholes at the small forward and center spots for the Lakers roster right now.
The Lakers could use Gasol and some other assets - perhaps the first-round pick in the 2014 Draft - to get both Hawes and Turner before the trade window expires.