The Los Angeles Lakers would love to acquire a second superstar alongside LeBron James this season, even if it means they have to part ways with Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma or Lonzo Ball, according to Bill Oram of The Atheltic.
The issue is there likely won't be any superstars available via trade at this year's trade deadline. The New Orleans Pelicans aren't going to put Anthony Davis on the trade block and the Toronto Raptors are confident they can re-sign Kawhi Leonard in the summer.
All other superstars in the league are locked in with their respective teams.
At this point, sources have indicated there are two types of trades the Lakers will pursue: The trade that shores up the current roster and increases the Lakers’ chances of saving face and making the playoffs, or a blockbuster that lands the Lakers a second superstar that makes them a true threat in the Western Conference this season and beyond.
The second is obviously the priority, even if it means parting with some combination of Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma. Ideally, the Lakers would be able to land a second star in free agency and keep the core intact. However, with Anthony Davis unlikely to become available by the deadline, that particular dilemma may be a moot point this season.
Lonzo Ball is currently out with an ankle injury which will keep him sidelined for a few weeks. The second-year guard is averaging 9.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game for the Lakers this season.
Brandon Ingram has been up and down this season. He's putting up 16.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per contest.
Kyle Kuzma has been the most consistent out of the three youngsters. He's averaging 19.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists nightly.
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