NBA Rumors: Lakers Could Sacrifice Former Top Pick For Legit Star

The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to undergo a major personnel overhaul with LeBron James and rising young stars expected to be the holdovers. However, it cannot be discounted that some youngsters could be moving out as part of potential trades. That said, no one is indispensable -- including Lonzo Ball.

Ball, who failed to finish the 2018-19 NBA season anew due to an injury, made headlines recently in a potential trade scenario that involved Kris Dunn of the Chicago Bulls. While the 21-year-old has proven that he looms as one of the best NBA guards of the future, his shooting stroke has once again been criticized. Heading into next season, that is likely to factor in once more although his tenure and rookie contract have been factored in.

Fansided pointed out how Ball will be making $7 million this season and then $11 million the year after. Once his rookie deal is done, his value is expected to skyrocket and the Lakers may have problems deciding on whether to keep him or not. Ironically, it would also be James' last year. The King would be 37 at that time and assuming he can still keep up, he is likely to settle for a one-year deal that could still be worth a lot of money.

Ball could show some improvement at that time although his durability has been questioned by many. His shooting stroke could improve as well although all that translates to added numbers to his paycheck by then. But before going that far, there is next NBA season to consider.

It is no secret that the Lakers are going to try and lure Kyrie Irving to the Lakers' fold. He and James have been in touch and the fact that the three-time NBA champion has been aggressively doing his part in the recruitment process may include Uncle Drew, ESPN reported. Irving has been linked to the New York Knicks as well with other teams likely to pitch offers. Assuming they are successful, it begs to ask what becomes of Ball if Irving does come on board.

Even if Irving does not end up on a Lakers uniform, there are plenty of established guards for the Lakers. The list includes Kemba Walker, Ricky Rubio, Darren Collison or even Terry Rozier. If not this year, next year could be interesting as well with the likes of Kyle Lowry and Mike Conley hitting NBA free agency.

The Chicago Bulls have been tied to Ball where Kris Dunn could be taken in by the Lakers in exchange. If he does move out, Ball could blossom into an NBA star - similar to what happened to D'Angelo Russell who is now with the Brooklyn Nets.