The Los Angeles Lakers are not winning nor are they even remotely looking like a team that could be winning. Injuries and a lack of talent on the roster have the franchise headed down a dark path for the 2014-15 season. Kobe Bryant can only do some much as frustrations begin to mount. While the veteran denies he is looking to bolt the Lakers as soon as possible, could the team be aiming to make a big trade to try and keep him happy?
After losing Julius Randle and Steve Nash for the season along with making very few moves in free agency, the Lakers have a roster that leaves a lot to be desired. Bryant says he is committed to the team no matter what happens, but it is starting to look like a trade is necessary to improve. Could the Lakers throw out all the stops for someone like Rajon Rondo?
The Lakers have been linked to Rondo for several reasons. The Los Angeles Times has reported that Rondo will be a free agency target for the team in 2015 and there could be mutual interest there. The Lakers will have more salary cap space to work along with the need at point guard. Plus they are a large market team which is appealing for Rondo. Could Los Angeles aim to make a trade considering several teams have Rondo at the top of their list?
According to NESN.com, the Celtics are in no rush to deal Rondo during the middle of the season which could also be the best move for the point guard. Rondo wants to play for a contender whether he admits it or not. Getting traded means his future is out of his hands. However, Boston is rebuilding and if a team blows them away with an offer, Rondo is gone. That will likely not be the Lakers considering they do not have much to deal that would even be remotely interesting for Boston.
The Lakers need to keep Bryant happy. Bryant has said he has not even considered leaving the Lakers and Los Angeles would not deal their franchise star. However, the veteran is not satisfied being on a team that has yet to win a game this season. The Lakers could target cheaper players like Norris Cole or Iman Shumpert. However, a lack of tradable assets means Los Angeles is simply going to have to sit on their roster and their season takes a turn for the better.
