Lakers News: Which Player Is Most Likely To Be Traded Before The Deadline?

The Los Angeles Lakers are looking for their first playoff berth since 2013 and with the addition of LeBron James in the offseason, the minimum expectations are for a spot in the Western Conference semifinals.

Sputtering to just a 6-6 record, general manager Rob Pelinka may be feeling some pressure to make a deal before the Feb. 8 trade deadline. With the Minnesota Timberwolves dealing swingman Jimmy Butler to the Philadelphia 76ers, the number of available impact players got smaller.

The Lakers' main need appears to be outside shooting, as they are just 20th (34.9 percent) from beyond the arc. Pelinka would likely have an interest in adding a perimeter scorer or at least a slasher to alleviate some defensive pressure against James. The Lakers could also use an elite perimeter defender to contain the likes of Kevin Durant, James Harden and DeMar DeRozan when the playoffs roll around.

Perhaps high on Pelinka's wish list is Kawhi Leonard. The free agent forward is having a solid season with the 12-1 Toronto Raptors, which makes his availability less certain.

There are also complementary players that could be on the block, such as Kyle Korver and Kevin Love of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Which player or players on the Lakers roster seem most likely to be dealt?

One that stands out is shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The 25-year-old is owed $12 million in the final year of his contract. Caldwell-Pope is in his sixth season and has a career scoring average of 11.8 points per game.

A big question is whether Pelinka can get good value in return for Caldwell-Pope. He is playing just 18.8 minutes per game, while shooting a career-low 38.5 percent from the field and averaging just 6.0 points. Last season, Caldwell-Pope averaged 13.4 points per game on 42.6 percent shooting.

One wrinkle is that Caldwell-Pope is represented by James' agent Rich Paul and Klutch Sports.

Another player that could be packaged in a deal is combo guard Josh Hart. The 23-year-old is on a rookie contract so there is value for his production based on his contract. Hart, who is averaging 12.0 points per game on 47.1 percent shooting, is signed through the 2019-20 season and is owed $1.65 million this season.

Michael Beasley, who has missed games due to personal reasons, is also in the final year of his contract and could be part of a packaged deal. The Lakers also have first-round pick Moritz Wagner, a 21-year-old big man who might draw interest from teams seeking more youth.

Pelinka could also include draft picks. The Lakers own all of their future first-round picks.