Aaahhhh — reports of surprise teams emerging at the last minute: an NBA trade deadline tradition unlike any other.

On Wednesday, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski came in extra-spicy to his trade deadline special with Zach Lowe.

Here was the juicy pre-Bomb he dropped, just to wet our beaks.

“Kyle Lowry is very much available…Philadelphia, the Miami Heat, there are a number of teams engaged. The Raptors…they’re going to work with Kyle Lowry…on where he might like to play if they’re going to do a deal, but here’s one team” not to rule out: “The Lakers.”

To this point, the defending champions had not been included in Lowry speculation. L.A.'s trade options are restricted due to cap constraints, roster make-up, and lack of draft assets, so most of the chatter surrounding deadline moves has focused on marginal tweaks and buyouts.

Then Solomon Hill dove into LeBron James' leg.

The Los Angeles Lakers now find themselves facing weeks without their superstars and in danger of sliding into the play-in-tourney zone.

Woj did not throw out the Lakers casually, and various agendas could be at play (Toronto provoking the Heat to offer Tyler Herro?). But the report implies some degree of communication between Rob Pelinka and Masaj Ujiri.

The mutual interest is understandable. The Lakers need another perimeter player who can handle, shoot, score, and penetrate. Lowry could help carry the scoring load until the stars return, then become an elite third option. His defense, competitiveness, and playoff experience are ideal.

Lowry — who turns 35 on deadline day — is as good as ever. The six-time All-Star is averaging 17.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 7.4 assists this season — one of six players in the 17/5/7 club. He's having his best three-point shooting year (39.1%) since 2017-18. His defensive metrics are down, but one can expect the numbers and dedication to regenerate with a thrust into the title hunt.

From Lowry's end: He gets to spend the twilight of his career chasing rings alongside James and Davis.

For most of the season, the prospect of trading Dennis Schröder or Montrezl Harrell has brushed aside, as they seemed like integral cogs to the best team in basketball. Ditto for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: a Klutch client, Finals hero, and the longest-tenured Laker.

But the Lakers are one step closer to desperation and the calculus has changed. If they're serious about Lowry, it's fair to assume that nothing besides Davis and James are untouchable, including Talen Horton-Tucker and the only first-round pick they can legally trade (2027).

Lowry is seeking to sign a two-year, $50 million extension (or so) with his next ballclub. The Lakers would acquire his Bird rights and could exceed the cap to sign him. The luxury tax would be steep, but, as Jeanie Buss said, you spend the money when you have James.

So, how can the Lakers actually pull off a Lowry exchange? Here are a few hypothetical deals.

(One note: these are two-team swaps that get close enough in terms of talent and salary, with the implicit caveat that other teams could join in to help pieces fit.)

Schröder, Caldwell-Pope, Horton-Tucker, Alfonzo McKinnie, 2027 first-round pick for Lowry

The hard-capped Lakers have to match Lowry's $30.5 million salary. Therefore, the framework of any deal has to start with Schröder ($16 million) and KCP ($12 million) or Trezz ($9.2 million).

Somewhat surprisingly, the Lakers are yet to extend Schröder. If the organization gets the feeling he wants to test unrestricted free agency, netting Lowry is a pretty good hedge. Schröder is 27 and an important spark plug, but Lowry is better on both ends.

Considering the competition amongst contenders for Lowry, I'm going to assume Ujiri would not green-light a Lakers deal without getting the 2027 pick and, more likely, Horton-Tucker. THT's 2020-21 salary ($1.5 million) and his youth (20) essentially serves as a high first-rounder, minus the upcoming price tag.

As of Tuesday, ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported that Pelinka is not willing to include THT in talks. That could change, but as the deadline neared a Lowry trade to the Lakers did hit a THT snag.

Rival teams might prefer McKinnie as the salary filler, though the Lakers have a few options for that role, including Jared Dudley (who can decline any trade).

Schröder, Harrell, McKinnie, 2027 first-round pick for Lowry

In this scenario, Harrell would be outgoing, rather than KCP, and the first-rounder instead of THT.

The Lakers have been exploring Harrell trades, even as he's played some of his best basketball. Trezz is considered unlikely to re-sign with the Lakers, which could tempt the team to recoup value for him now.

I'd be shocked if Ujiri took this package without insisting on Horton-Tucker (I doubt he's passionate about KCP). On the other hand, Schröder — and to a lesser extent, Harrell — are relatively young and solid pieces in their own right, plus Ujiri could squeeze the Lakers to remove all protections from the 2027 pick.

Schröder, Harrell, Horton-Tucker for Lowry and second-round pick

In this case, the Lakers would lose Horton-Tucker and gain a second-rounder back. Once again, Harrell is easier to part-with than KCP. A few minimum salaries may have to be thrown-in, too.

Caldwell-Pope has been slumping since January, but the Lakers are comfortable with him closing big games. On the other hand, fair questions remain about their faith in Harrell's defense, and he could see his playoff role diminished.

Having a 28-year old KCP signed for two more years is not the worst thing.

Schröder, Caldwell-Pope, Harrell, Horton-Tucker for Lowry, Norman Powell, and second-rounder

This would be the biggest swing Pelinka could take.

The Raptors are shopping Powell and could attach him to any Lowry blockbuster. His $10 million salary would require both KCP and Harrell to be included, but Powell's presence would help compensate if he plays like he has all season.

The 27-year old swingman is putting up 19.5 PPG on steamy .495/.434/.868 shooting splits. With Schröder, KCP, Harrell, and THT heading out the door, the Lakers would have a well of free money to retain both Raptors. Ujiri may demand the first-round pick here.

As with the potential DeMar DeRozan deal I contemplated, this swap would represent a San Andreas-sized shake-up to the Lakers roster with fewer than eight weeks until the end of the season and nearly zero practice time. But, chemistry concerns aside, this trade arguably upgrades the team on paper, factoring in buyout additions and shortened playoff rotations.

Any of these deals would cost the Lakers depth, cohesion, and youth. But when a 36-year old is the focal point of your franchise, the time to win is now. This one may come down to the wire.