The Lakers have been known for their amazing ability to consistently pull of trades involving All-Star players. From Wilt Chamberlain to Pau Gasol and most recently Dwight Howard, the Lakers seem to find a way to acquire marquee players in trades and put themselves in a position to contend every year.
While many have expected the Lakers to busy with the looming February 20th, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin talks have been slow:
Mitch Kupchak on the upcoming NBA trade deadline: "Going into the weekend, it's pretty quiet right now."
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) February 14, 2014
The Lakers certainly do not have the assets to pull of a blockbuster trade, but people have expected the team to be searching for a way to get below the luxury tax line via trade. Gasol has been the center of rumors throughout the season, with the most recent linking him to the Phoenix Suns.
After years of being cash strapped, the Lakers will finally have cap space this off season to try to entice free agents to come to the city of angels.
According to Lakers Reporter Mike Trudell, GM Mitch Kupchak is keeping the future in mind:
LAL GM Mitch Kupchak spoke to a few of us pregame. Implied that if LAL make a move at the deadline, it'll be to address 2014-15 & beyond.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) February 14, 2014
The way the Lakers handle this trade deadline as well as the upcoming free agency could prove to be key in the team becoming title contenders again. With Carmelo Anthony being linked to the Lakers this offseason, and both Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving being linked in the summer of 2015, the Lakers will want to make smart moves at the deadline to ensure they still have the flexibility to go after All-Star caliber players.
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