Los Angeles Lakers trade rumors suggest that the team is working to acquire Trevor Ariza. NBA analyst Adrian Wojnarowski has stated that the Lakers are working with the Phoenix Suns on a three-way deal. An addition like this would certainly improve the Lakers on defense, possibly also giving the team a player who can help them compete with the Golden State Warriors this year. Can they get a deal done in the next few days?

What would Lakers trade for Ariza?

It is rumored that a third team would get Lakers guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in a potential deal.

It appears that that the Suns are not interested in taking on the salary of Caldwell-Pope, which is why a third party would be necessary. This is where things get a little murky, as there are no confirmed NBA rumors about that third team, yet. It may be a situation where Phoenix and L.A. are putting the information out there that a third team is requested.

One thing that could also hold up a deal, is that Caldwell-Pope can veto it if he doesn't want to leave the Lakers. Caldwell-Pope is getting paid $12 million for this season, which would also make it a palatable deal for a third team to gain him. Now, the Suns and Lakers just need to find a franchise that is willing to take on some salary so that this three-team trade an work, while also convincing Caldwell-Pope to accept the deal.

Why do the Lakers want to trade for Trevor Ariza?

So far this season, Ariza is averaging 9.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. While those aren't groundbreaking numbers, it is his value on the defensive end of the court that has the Lakers front office so interested. It also doesn't hurt that Ariza has played for the Lakers before, so he is familiar with the team, the city, and the opponents.

The money would work out nicely in this deal, as Ariza is on a one-year contract worth $15 million this season. It means that trading Kentavious Caldwell-Pope would almost be a wash when it comes to the salary cap. Caldwell-Pope and Ariza are also on the final years of their respective contracts, giving all of the teams financial flexibility, should this deal go down.

In order to make it all work, the L.A. Lakers would likely have to send the Phoenix Suns a future draft pick or two. It might also take a future second-round selection to get that third team involved.

More NBA news

These latest Los Angeles Lakers trade rumors aren't the only news about the team. Despite a slow start to the 2018-19 NBA season, the Lakers have been racing up the Western Conference standings. The team is in a great position to break its postseason drought, thanks to the signing of LeBron James and the Tyson Chandler trade. If they can also pull off a Trevor Ariza trade, while maintaining financial flexibility for next season, it could be a steal for the franchise.

The Cleveland Cavaliers, which is the former team of LeBron James, has also been pretty busy.

The Cavs just traded George Hill to the Milwaukee Bucks. It was a bid to acquire more future assets, which in this case, included a future first-round pick. Next up on the chopping block could be J.R. Smith and Kevin Love, as the Cavs try to rebuild the franchise.
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