After a superb start to their season, the champions Los Angeles Lakers are in a pretty tough spot right now. With two of their superstars in LeBron James and Anthony Davis out with injuries, the champions are clearly in need of some firepower to stay competitive.

With the trade deadline closing in, the champions have seen some of their key players embroiled in multiple trade rumors. Some key players like Montrezl Harrell and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope have been constants in the ever-increasing trade rumor market.

Lakers’ Kentavious Caldwell Pope reacts to trade rumors

After a phenomenal post-season run with the Lakers, the 28-year-old was in for a hefty payday, signing a 3-year-deal worth $40 million. The ‘Lake Show’ hoped that KCP could maintain the impressive run of form this season.

But that clearly hasn’t been the case. The 6’5″ guard is seeing a major drop in his output averaging 8.3 points, 1.5 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per game.

The recent injury to talisman LeBron James has really fueled these rumors. With the lack of a scoring option, reports have emerged that the Lakers are looking for an upgrade in the backcourt and might be in for a trade.

Given the dearth of assets the team has, the 28-year-old has been the center of these trade rumors. After their latest loss to the Pelicans, the 6’5″ guard reacted to being a part of multiple trade rumors.

Given how important the 28-year-old was in the championship run, the Lakers trading him will definitely be a big shocker.

Can the champions pull off a blockbuster trade before trade deadline?

The champions right now have a serious dearth of scorers with both LeBron and Davis out with injuries. But the Lake Show shouldn’t press the panic button just yet. They have a pretty deep roster and will be able to pull off some victories.

Given how the players have played with each other, adding another player can compromise the team’s synergy. If at all they wish to add someone, they will have to give up younger players like Talen Horton-Tucker and Alex Caruso.

While the departure of Caruso might not be that impactful, THT can be a big loss. He is the trump card of coach Frank Vogel’s system and provides a jolt of energy off of the bench.

With Lakers unwilling to let go off of talented young stars and given the lack of picks they have, pulling off a super-trade might take some doing. If at all the Lakers don’t add a name before the deadline, they should not panic.

The buyout market might end up with some exciting players who might be intrigued for an opportunity to represent the champions at the highest level. Can the Lakers pull off a blockbuster trade or make a significant signing before the buyout deadline?