NBA Trade Deadline 2019: 5 Lakers trades to make LeBron happy

BROOKLYN, NY - DECEMBER 18: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on December 18, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Nets defeated the Lakers 115-110. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

3 of 5

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 26: Terrence Ross #31 of the Orlando Magic quiets the crowd as they prepare for free throws against the Phoenix Suns in the closing moments of the fourth quarter at Amway Center on December 26, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry Aaron/Getty Images) /

3. Trade for Terrence Ross

In addition to the aforementioned need for 3-point shooting, the Lakers real need in terms of role players is 3-and-D players on the perimeter. As their roster is currently constructed they either have wings that can play defense but can’t shoot or can’t do either, which is less than ideal for any team and even less fitting for a team playing with LeBron and his skill set.

Thus, if the Lakers are looking around the league going shopping before the 2019 NBA Trade Deadline, Terrence Ross of the Orlando Magic should have about eight underlines and 13 circles around his name on Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka’s big board. For what they need and what they could potentially pay to get him from the Magic, he makes a great deal of sense.

On the year, the 27-year old Ross is having a great year off the bench for Orlando, averaging 13.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 0.9 steals in 25.8 minutes per game while shooting 43.1 percent from the floor and 38.8 percent from 3-point range. Moreover, he’s an underrated shooter for his career with a 37.3 percent clip from long range since he came into the league. With that and his defensive abilities, he’s a fantastic fit in LA.

Now, the Lakers don’t exactly have assets the Magic would want and giving up a first-round pick for Ross would be less than ideal. Therefore, the best course of action would be to bring in the Houston Rockets as the third team in a trade, giving them a player they reportedly have coveted in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope while sending Orlando their first-round pick and a point guard they could use in Brandon Knight, who they’ve tried to unload.

Home/Los Angeles Lakers