Needing a interior presence, the Los Angeles Lakers might need to explore a deal that could land them Houston Rockets center Omer Asik soon.

The Lakers, who have won five out of their last seven games, are playing above expectations with Kobe Bryant still grinding at the gym to return from an Achilles heel injury.

But despite their recent success, there's one gaping hole the Lakers have to plug in if they want to have a decent shot at making into the postseason-- the Lakers need defense.

Under the tutelage of coach Mike D'Antoni, the Lakers are one of the best offensive teams in the NBA, scoring at least 101 points per game (14^th in NBA) and dishing out 24 assists per outing (4^th).

However, the Lakers are also one of the worst defensive teams in the league, allowing opponents to score 102.9 points per game. With Dwight Howard not manning the middle anymore, All-Star forward Pau Gasol assumed sole responsibility for clogging the lane, but has so far failed to be an effective defensive force.

Lakers Could Trade For Asik

The Houston Rockets have already laid out its asking price in exchange for the disgruntled big man. Houston general manager Daryl Morey believed Asik is worth two first-round picks, which is a bit high for a center with an unpolished offensive game, according to several GMs and analysts.

"The name that is dominating the early rumors is Omer Asik of the Rockets. The disgruntled center can be had, but Houston isn't just giving him away," MSG Networks reported.

With the Lakers direly looking for a defensive guy, general manager Mitch Kupchak could pull the trigger to get Asik from the Rockets without compromising their future.

Instead of surrendering two future first-round picks, the Lakers could package Jordan Hill and a first-round pick for the Rockets in exchange for Asik.

The Rockets are reportedly interested in getting an "energy guy" as compensation for Asik, but the Denver Nuggets are unwilling to part ways with their star, Kenneth Faried.

Hill, who started his NBA career with the Rockets, has proven to be an automatic double-double guy if given enough playing time on the floor. Hill averaged 8.9 points and 8.6 games through 18 games this season and his hustle has been infectious for the Lakers.

With time ticking away, the Rockets could perhaps accept this trade proposal before Asik becomes more frustrated with his current situation.