LA Lakers Rumors: Lakers Eyeing Two Big Centers In Trades – Roy Hibbert And Larry Nance Jr. To Go

The LA Lakers may not end up doing a lot before the NBA trade deadline for this season, but many thought they would. Some believed that a number of names could be traded away from Los Angeles, and others even speculated that Blake Griffin would cross town. Anything is possible, but the deadline is less than two weeks away. There are still some possibilities, including the Lakers going after centers Hassan Whiteside and Greg Monroe.

The Milwaukee Bucks gave Greg Monroe a three-year deal for $50 million about half a year ago, but SB Nation stated that they’re already looking to move him. The Bucks are 20-32, have lost five in a row, and are near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.

Now, that isn’t all the fault of Monroe, but he does have a little to do with it.

Monroe is young at just 25-years-old and is averaging 16.5 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. Great numbers, but his defense leaves so much to be desired. Milwaukee is currently seven games out of the final playoff spot, and trading Monroe for a more defensive-minded player could give them the boost they need.

Yibida states that a swap of Roy Hibbert for Greg Monroe could work out for both teams. The Lakers are reportedly trying to find a playoff team to send Hibbert to, and the Bucks do have a much better chance than the Lakers do.

Roy Hibbert has not exactly been living up to expectations for the Lakers, and a change of location for both him and Monroe could benefit both players. That move could also benefit both the Lakers and Bucks, as well.

Greg Monroe is not the only center the Lakers are reportedly looking at trading for, either.

Christian Post is reporting that the Lakers are still keeping an eye on Hassan Whiteside of the Miami Heat. He’s a player rumors have connected to the Lakers for months now, and nothing has yet come of the rumored trade talks.

The young center is having a magnificent season for the Heat, as he’s averaging 12.2 points, 11.1 rebounds, and four blocks per game. He’s also making a huge name for himself and performing at the point where the Heat may not wish to part ways with him.

On Friday, the Heat had a 98-95 road victory over the Charlotte Hornets, but Whiteside was the focus point. As the Sun-Sentinel reported, Whiteside’s stat line was 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 blocks. He has now as four triple-doubles in his career, and they all feature blocks.

If the Heat are willing to trade away Hassan Whiteside, the LA Lakers would likely look into making a deal for him. Once again, it could be Roy Hibbert who is used as trade bait to get the Heat to make the move.

More may be needed to get Whiteside traded to the Lakers, though, and it’s possible Roy Nance, Jr. could be added into the mix. If the Lakers are able to hold onto Nance, Whiteside would fit in nicely with him, Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle, and D’Angelo Russell.

With a record of 11-42, the Lakers are in last place in the Western Conference and know the playoffs are totally out of the question this season. Some trade moves could be made and truly benefit the team, but it’s not known if they will end up being completed before the deadline.

The LA Lakers may look to move Roy Hibbert before the NBA trade deadline, and if not then, it could happen after the season is over. As the deadline draws closer, the Lakers are rumored to be keeping their eyes on Greg Monroe and Hassan Whiteside as a last-minute deal could be proposed and made.

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