Los Angeles Lakers Must Trade For One Of These Five Players In 2016

By Timothy Downs

Now that Kobe Bryant has retired, the Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for one of the most important offseasons in their illustrious history. Los Angeles already made an overwhelmingly wise decision to hire Luke Walton as head coach, but must continue building momentum by making a number of brilliant personnel transactions this summer.

The following five players project to be available on the trade market, and the Lakers must find a way to acquire one of them.

Los Angeles Lakers Must Trade For One Of These Five Players In 2016
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5. Paul George - Indiana Pacers

Paul George - Indiana Pacers Credit: Getty Images
The Lakers need scoring, a superstar and veteran leadership in the worst way. Paul George would provide it all, and then some. Indiana will lose him to free agency in a few years, and must consider moving him now. Thus, this makes sense for all.

5. Paul George - Indiana Pacers

The Lakers need scoring, a superstar and veteran leadership in the worst way. Paul George would provide it all, and then some. Indiana will lose him to free agency in a few years, and must consider moving him now. Thus, this makes sense for all.

4. Jahlil Okafor - Philadelphia 76ers

Jahlil Okafor - Philadelphia 76ers Credit: Getty Images
The 76ers project to take Ben Simmons with the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft, which means they will have four big men capable of starting in the NBA on their roster. Thus, Jahlil Okafor will be available, and the Lakers can't pass on him again.

4. Jahlil Okafor - Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers project to take Ben Simmons with the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft, which means they will have four big men capable of starting in the NBA on their roster. Thus, Jahlil Okafor will be available, and the Lakers can't pass on him again.

3. Jimmy Butler - Chicago Bulls

Jimmy Butler - Chicago Bulls Credit: Getty Images
Rumors suggest the Chicago Bulls are close to giving their entire roster a makeover, and nobody is said to be safe. Los Angeles needs scoring on the wing, and Chicago needs a long-term answer at point guard, making them a match for a deal.

3. Jimmy Butler - Chicago Bulls

Rumors suggest the Chicago Bulls are close to giving their entire roster a makeover, and nobody is said to be safe. Los Angeles needs scoring on the wing, and Chicago needs a long-term answer at point guard, making them a match for a deal.

2. Brook Lopez - Brooklyn Nets

Brook Lopez - Brooklyn Nets Credit: Getty Images
The Brooklyn Nets won't be competing anytime soon, and need to finally part ways with Brook Lopez. Most centers are injury prone, so the Lakers wouldn't be taking much more of a chance with Lopez than any other player at the position.

2. Brook Lopez - Brooklyn Nets

The Brooklyn Nets won't be competing anytime soon, and need to finally part ways with Brook Lopez. Most centers are injury prone, so the Lakers wouldn't be taking much more of a chance with Lopez than any other player at the position.

1. Nikola Vucevic - Orlando Magic

Nikola Vucevic - Orlando Magic Credit: Getty Images
Former USC standout center Nikola Vucevic is already beloved in Los Angeles from his days with the Trojans, and would obviously be a gargantuan upgrade over Roy Hibbert. Orlando is interested in signing Dwight Howard, which makes Vucevic expendable.

1. Nikola Vucevic - Orlando Magic

Former USC standout center Nikola Vucevic is already beloved in Los Angeles from his days with the Trojans, and would obviously be a gargantuan upgrade over Roy Hibbert. Orlando is interested in signing Dwight Howard, which makes Vucevic expendable.

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