NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers To Possibly Shop Steve Nash Before Deadline; Eyeing Goran Dragic, Rajon Rondo
The Los Angeles Lakers finally scored their first win of the season on Sunday, but it is no secret that the team needs to shore up their roster in order to improve their chances of making the playoffs this season.
According to Marc Stein of ESPN, the Lakers will be very active on trade front before the deadline in February, with sources indicating that Los Angeles might consider trading Steve Nash.
Nash was ruled out for the rest of the season after hurting his back again, but the Lakers could still use his $9.7 million expiring contract in trades before the deadline to acquire another marquee player.
The Lakers were also granted Disabled Player Exception worth $1.5 million after rookie Julius Randle went down with a season-ending leg injury in their season opener. The Lakers could use the exception to sign a free agent or use it in a trade along with Nash's expiring contract.
Chuck Myron of Hoops Rumors also reported that the Lakers are expected to make a run at signing Goran Dragic when he hits free agency next summer.
But if the Suns struggle this season and Dragic tells them that he won't resign next summer, the Lakers might negotiate a deal with the Suns before the deadline. However, the Suns are expected to ask for future assets in return aside from Nash's expiring contract.
Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo might also become available in trades later in the season. The Lakers were previously linked to the All-Star point guard, but like in Dragic's case, the Celtics will also look for the best possible deal before parting ways with their veteran playmaker.
And if they fail to land a marquee player using Nash's expiring deal, the Lakers will have to wait until next summer and make a splash on the free agency market.
Sam Smith of Bulls.com recently reported that Cleveland Cavaliers power forward Kevin Love might opt out of the final year of his contract and strongly consider signing with the Lakers in the offseason.
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