The Los Angeles Lakers do not have what it takes to land a player like Kevin Love this offseason, but they could still be very active in the trade market heading into Thursday's NBA Draft. With the possibility of losing Pau Gasol to free agency, the Lakers are in need of a new resident big man and could make a call to the Indiana Pacers for help.
According to Sean Deveney of Sporting News, the Lakers are very interested in acquiring Roy Hibbert from the Pacers. The Lakers currently own the No. 7 pick in the Draft and would be interested in moving it for the right deal. Los Angeles had been linked to Joel Embiid in the Draft, but a foot injury has seen the center's stock plummet and now the Lakers are favoring a trade rather than using the pick.
Deveney writes that the Lakers were hoping to land Klay Thompson in a three-team trade, but the Golden State Warriros have taken the guard off the table. Los Angeles has since shifted their interest towards either Michael Carter-Williams of the Philadelphia 76ers or Hibbert. Acquiring Hibbert makes the most sense, but it is still unclear if the center is available or not.
Hibbert took most of the blame for the downfall of the Indiana Pacers in the playoffs. The center had multiple scoreless games, seeing his overall value drop. The Pacers have denied that Hibbert is available for dealing. However, Indiana is very interested in moving into the first round of the NBA Draft and a deal for the center is the best way to make that possible. If the Lakers are willing to give them the No. 7 pick, trading Hibbert may be worth it.
The Lakers have to acquire a center this offseason either from the draft or on the market. Gasol looks good as gone from Los Angeles as he prepares to explore the free agent market. Several teams are interested in the veteran and he is ready to sign with a contending team which does not include the Lakers at this time.
If a trade for Hibbert fails the Lakers still have options. They have been linked to Chris Bosh who can become a free agent this offseason. They have glanced at Greg Monroe and could also consider making a deal for Omer Asik from Houston depending on what his price tag is.
