Trade talks surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers are heating up.
ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst provided an update on the Lakers' trade plans Friday.
"The Lakers have been making calls to acquire perimeter help and rim protection," they said. "Between Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber, the front office has about $40 million in expiring contracts to send out in trades."
The Lakers are reportedly searching for "bargain deals" rather than blockbuster trades, according to a Western Conference executive.
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"'They're going to be looking for bargain deals and they might be able to find one if they're willing to take on long-term money,' one West general manager said."
General Manager Rob Pelinka has limited assets to work with ahead of February's trade deadline. Jarred Vanderbilt and Dalton Knecht are two other players who may be on the trade block.
"The Lakers have one tradable first-round pick and can trade up to five pick swaps, but they sit just $1.1 million below the first apron and aren't permitted to exceed it, leaving them little maneuverability to take on short-term money."
LA has interest in New Orleans Pelicans forwards Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones, but the Pelicans have been reluctant to trade them. Kings guard Keon Ellis and Nets forward Haywood Highsmith are two other names to watch.
The Lakers (24-15) are fifth in the West ahead of Saturday night's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. LA has lost four of its past five games after winning three straight games earlier this month.
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- NBA insider predicts Lakers will upgrade defense at trade deadline
- Lakers a team to watch in Kuminga sweepstakes
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