The Los Angeles Lakers have limited resources to make a move before the Feb. 10 trade deadline. This was a point of skepticism for those who questioned their bold roster reconstruction.

The Lakers have three stars on massive contracts — LeBron James ($41 million), Anthony Davis ($36 million), and Russell Westbrook ($44 million). LeBron and AD are staying up. The Lakers have reportedly talked about trading Russ, though it seems unfathomable that a team would cobble together the money to acquire an unreliable 33-year old on the decline. Then again, this is the NBA — never say never.

Most of the Lakers roster is comprised of minimum contracts. They have a $2.7 million trade exception from the Marc Gasol deal. Here's the draft capital they can move:

  • First-rounders in 2027 or 2028.
  • First-round swaps in 2023 and 2026.
  • Second rounders in 2023, 2023 (via Chicago), 2024 (via Washington or Memphis), 2025, 2027, 2028, 2028 (via Washington).

That leaves two easily tradable assets: Talen Horton Tucker, 21, on a reasonable three-year, $30.7 million contract, and Kendrick Nunn, 26, on a two-year, $10 million deal. He's yet to play this season (knee bone bruise) but expected back in January.

Horton-Tucker cannot be traded before Jan. 15. Nunn — along with the minimums (Carmelo Anthony, Rajon Rondo, Trevor Ariza, Malik Monk, Kent Bazemore, Wayne Ellington, Dwight Howard, Austin Reaves) became tradable today (Dec. 15). Avery Bradley is tradable on Dec. 17. His contract becomes guaranteed on Jan. 7.

Los Angeles (15-13) is playing better as of late, having won five of seven games. LeBron is the healthiest he's been since last March. (THT, Howard, and Monk are in health and safety protocols). They believe they're starting to find a rhythm. They could still use more capable defenders and versatility at the forward position.

Rob Pelinka will do his due diligence before Feb. 10. Because they're the Lakers, they will assuredly be included in more rumors than any other franchise, as we've already seen with reports on Ben Simmons (unfeasible, unless Daryl Morey wants Westbrook again) and Jerami Grant (more on him in a second).

And, lest we forget, LeGM is not above pushing for dramatic midseason changes (see: his tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers).

Let's run through three intriguing targets for the Lakers. (Remember: teams can hold up to 15 active players during the season, compared to 20 in the offseason. Also: the Lakers are over the cap, and midseason trades come with added luxury tax penalties — something the Lakers, regrettably, care about.)

https://open.spotify.com/episode/07X5e8U73vXXesGhwMlzEq?si=87653e76cb2f4639

1) Robert Covington

The Lakers don't want to make any grand evaluations about their team until Ariza — a projected opening night starting four — returns, which will be soon. That's fair, but also putting a lot of pressure on the impact a 36-year old post-ankle surgery can truly have.

Covington, 33, isn't the 3-nor-D he was a few years ago. His numbers (6.5 PPG, 4.8 RPG, .037 WS/48) are the lowest since his rookie season. He's shooting 34.4% from deep.

But the Portland Trail Blazers are a mess. He's in the final year of his contract. Should the turmoil — on and off the court — engulfing the Blazers organization render him available, RoCo is worth a look.

If the Lakers can get their hands on Covington — owed $13 million — without including THT, that's a trigger worth pulling. Nunn, the trade exception, two veteran minimums, and a few second-round picks could theoretically get it done.

2) Jerami Grant

I'm on the fence about this.

Grant would certainly represent an infusion of high-level talent for L.A.'s championship pursuit. Today, he's a more polished player than Horton-Tucker, and the Lakers have more depth on the wing than at the 4.

Grant, 6'8, is averaging 20.1 PPG on .414/.331/.849 splits. He's 27, and in the second of a three-year, $60 million deal — a fair price. He's out for six weeks with a torn thumb, which may lower his cost of acquisition.

Detroit can probably do better than THT, Nunn, and subpar picks. If they're willing to entertain that offer from Los Angeles, though, the Lakers — prioritizing James' championship window — may have no choice, especially if LeBron is on board.

3) Harrison Barnes

Somehow, Barnes is only 29. He's as solid as ever. This season, he's averaging 17.4 points and 6.7 RPG on .454/.385/.838 splits for the Sacramento Kings — a franchise perpetually at a crossroads.

Barnes is due $20 million in 2021-22 and $18.3 million next year. Considering his character, experience, and smooth versatility, he seems like an ideal fit for the Lakers, on paper. It would sting to lose THT in a package for Barnes, but it probably makes the Lakers better right now.

Other names to consider (to varying degrees of attainability): T.J. Warren, Justin Holiday, Bryn Forbes, Thaddeus Young (I like this!), Terrence Davis, Terrence Ross