The buzz is loud and clear that the Los Angeles Lakers may likely pull the trigger on a possible trade before Feb. 18, although it seems hard to figure who.
Right now, everyone seems tradable, including rookie D'Angelo Russell and Julius Randle. Seeing how the two have failed to flourish under coach Byron Scott, perhaps it makes sense to deal them elsewhere for a possible centerpiece.
Hassan Whiteside of the Miami Heat is someone the Lakers have reportedly been eyeing, but the problem is salary cap restrictions. With Russell and Randle, it could work since the Heat could fit in the two young players.
But is it feasible for the Lakers to deal away two promising young stars whose problem is getting along with their head coach?
Ideally, it would be a head coach getting the axe but right now, Scott doesn't seem to be going anywhere. If that were the case, perhaps it would be better to let the kids go and play where they can be of more use like South Beach.
But the problem here is that the Heat could be dealing away a future of their own, although they may not be able to afford him once his contract expires.
Whiteside is likely to ask for a max contract and unless the Heat unload some of their high-priced players, the shot-blocking seven-footer could be good as gone.
Trading Randle and Russell this early could work and the Lakers can go on to sign Whiteside in the offseason.
But will he function as effectively under Scott? He is a defensive demon but there would be more expected from him.
If Whiteside is acquired, where does this leave Roy Hibbert? Hibbert is a name that the Lakers have reportedly been dangling, although his fat contract is a problem.
Hibbert, Nick Young, and Lou Williams could be dealt with reason, but Russell and Randle seem questionable.
