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NBA Rumors: Top Five Big Men Los Angeles Lakers Should Target Before Trade Deadline

Published 03/11/2021, 11:55 PM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

The Los Angeles Lakers have seen a significant downfall since Anthony Davis was sidelined because of his injury. However, they dodged a bullet because of it not being an Achilles injury which everyone expected. But there is no timeline on Davis’ return, and the reigning champions need to make quick decisions to finish the season at the top of the West.

With the trade deadline around the corner, there are players that they need to fill in for Davis. It also seems like the Lakers aren’t happy with Marc Gasol, which is why they are in need of big men. Let’s look at five big men that they should target.

Los Angeles Lakers’ trade targets

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Hassan Whiteside

USA Today via Reuters

Whiteside, who is not having the best of seasons with the Sacramento Kings, might be very valuable to the Lakers. Even though he hasn’t been at his prime recently, he is that center who can crash boards and can give their defense a big boost with him blocking shots efficiently.

In fact, even when AD returns, the two of them could make a great duo. Nobody expects Hassan to finish with big numbers at the end of the night. But what he is, is a big man who can compensate for the undersized Montrezl Harrell.

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Mo Bamba

There have been rumors about the Lakers wanting to acquire Mo Bamba from the Orlando Magic. Well, it seems like they want to add some young players to their veteran-filled roster.

For this trade, they might not have to give up Talen Horton-Tucker but a fan favorite, Alex Caruso. Caruso isn’t playing his best right now and could be of more value to the Magic than to the Lakers.

Andre Drummond

USA Today via Reuters

Drummond is on popular demand right now, with the Brooklyn Nets also interested in the big man. Undoubtedly, he has been the best rebounder in the league for years now, and his athleticism is off the charts.

Averaging 17.5 points and 13.5 rebounds per game, he could be the perfect rebounder and can protect the rim with Anthony Davis out. It will be most fascinating to see where Drummond ends up taking his talents.

JaVale McGee

Clearly, the Lakers need all the help possible at the center and McGee seems like the perfect candidate for that position. The only problem with this trade is that they just traded him off to the Cavs the last offseason, which means they aren’t allowed to get him back mid-season.

The only way around this is adding a third team into the equation. Unless, of course, McGee has some hard feelings about being traded off in the first place, the Lakers might pull this off if they get creative.

John Collins

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USA Today via Reuters

There seems to be a rift between the Atlanta Hawks‘ Trae Young and John Collins. This is something the Lakers might want to capitalize on because this feud has put Collins up for grabs.

The Hawks could bring in someone who seals them a seat in the playoffs this season. Can the Lakers convince them to make this trade?

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If any of these players, or whoever they decide to go with, lifts the Lakers up, the trade will be a success. Who do you think they should go with?

Read also- NBA Trade Rumors: New York Knicks Monitoring Victor Oladipo, Terry Rozier & Lonzo Ball Ahead of Trade Deadline

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Written by:

Yashima Bhatia

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Yashima Bhatia is an NBA writer for EssentiallySports who specialises in providing nuanced predictions and updates for matches. She has a Bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communication. Yashima's love for playing the game came up at a young age, when the excitement of the games coupled with the intensity of the Playoffs had her hooked.
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