LA Lakers Rumors: Team Could Deal Away Roy Hibbert And Trade For This Small Forward

The LA Lakers have the second-worst record in the entire NBA, and they know that this season is essentially a wash. Coming back from a 9-34 record and trying to get into the playoffs will be virtually impossible, and more changes need to be made. The NBA trade deadline is just a month away, and some rumored changes include Roy Hibbert being traded to a playoff contender and the Lakers trying to get Rudy Gay into Los Angeles.

According to SB Nation, Hibbert may be on his way out of LA sooner rather than later even though he just arrived there in the offseason for a second-round pick. It was thought that he would be a much more dominant force in the lane and on defense, but that has not happened.

Currently, he is averaging just 6.6 points, a career low, and 5.8 rebounds per game, which is his lowest since 2009. His minutes are down, and he’s in the final year of a contract that has the Lakers paying him $15.5 million, but they may be ready to unload him.

Roy Hibbert waived some of his trade kicker to land in LA… I was told Lakers trying to find him a playoff team. https://t.co/f0ulO2TqJB

— Steve Kyler (@stevekylerNBA) January 18, 2016

While Hibbert has brought veteran leadership and knowledge to a rather young locker room, the Lakers want more production on the floor. There is currently a host of possible playoff teams who could use another big man, and the Lakers would like to get rid of his contract.

It’s an experiment the LA Lakers hoped would pay off for him, and many thought that he would be the best offseason acquisition. So far, Lou Williams is proving to be the best pick-up, and it’s time for Hibbert to head elsewhere.

If the Lakers are able to move Roy Hibbert and can find a team that will bite, they will surely ship him out. What they will get in return is another question. Meanwhile, though, they are chasing a particular player that a few other teams are interested in as well – Rudy Gay.

Just days after it was revealed that the New Orleans Pelicans have had discussions with the Sacramento Kings about trading for Gay, it appears the Lakers have an interest as well. Bleacher Report states that the Lakers could make a move for Gay, and it would solve their “what to do with Roy Hibbert” problem.

One possible and proposed trade has the Lakers sending Hibbert, Lou Williams, and rookie Larry Nance Jr. to the Kings for Gay, guard Ben McLemore, and reserve center Kosta Koufos. This would work for both sides in the deal in huge ways.

The Kings would get Hibbert, who they could pair with DeMarcus Cousins for a truly formidable force under the basket. Hibbert wouldn’t have the entire front-court on his shoulders and could really get some help on defense.

Not only that, Lou Williams would help the Kings pick up the slack in scoring where they were now missing with Gay.

In Los Angeles, Gay could come in and instantly contribute offensively and defensively where players like Nick Young and Metta World Peace aren’t helping. Throw in Ben McLemore and he could already find an early career rejuvenation and add to the Lakers’ youth movement.

The LA Lakers need to do something and need to make at least one big move before the NBA trade deadline next month. Shedding Roy Hibbert’s big expiring contract makes the most sense, and Rudy Gay is the answer to a lot of their problems. Now, the only thing is making it agreed upon with the Kings and getting it done.

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