The LA Lakers are coming out of the All-Star break with a bad record and heading into the trade deadline the team could be active, as reports have the team looking at Goran Dragic as a trade target and the team could look at signing him in free agency this summer if they part ways with Jeremy Lin at the deadline, teams the the Cavaliers, Rockets and Pistons need point guards.
The Lakers have been focused on the summer of 2015 for a few years now and with Kevin Love likely out of the picture, they have targeted some other big name players. According to ESPN.com, Marc Stein reports that the Lakers are interested in trading for Dragic from the Suns and they plan on giving him a max contract offer this summer if he hits free agency. Dragic is also being targeted by the Miami Heat and Houston Rockets along with Reggie Jackson, who is being shopped by the Thunder. The Suns reportedly are looking for at least a first round pick for Dragic.
The Lakers feel they can sway Dragic to sign in free agency with a deal of four years at $80 million, but they also run the risk of having the Suns jump in with more. The Suns can offer Dragic a larger deal if they keep him into the summer and that could be the thinking for the Lakers if they plan on going after him anyway. Dragic is coming off of a most improved player award and is considered a rising talent in the league. Stein added that the Suns could look at trading Isaiah Thomas, as they prefer Dragic to the point guard they signed this past summer.
The Suns have a logjam at guard with Dragic, Thomas, Eric Bledsoe and Tyler Ennis all on the roster. Stein also reports that the Rockets could be interested in Dragic, as they would like to add an upgrade for Patrick Beverley. The team is dealing with an injury to Dwight Howard and they also could be interested in adding help in the front court. Pro Basketball Talk reports that Thomas could end up getting traded if the team keeps Dragic, as they hope to re-sign him in the offseason.
The Lakers will have other options in trades this summer, as Lance Stephenson could be available along with Michael Carter-Williams. The Lakers likely will make some free agent moves along with trades and if they get the chance, they will sign Dragic. The Suns guard has been improving immensely over the past few seasons and he appears ready to take the next step. Adding Dragic would be a huge step in trying to get the Lakers back to prominence for one last run for Bryant.
The Lakers have 13 wins this season and after going through two years of consistent losing, they are hoping spending some money can get them out of it. The team drafted Julius Randle in the draft last year and he is expected to return after missing the season with an injury, while a lottery pick also could be coming in the next few months. The Lakers hope to add two or three significant free agents to make a run with Kobe Bryant at the end of his career.
