The Los Angeles Lakers are linked to possible moves before the trade deadline on Thursday with reports mentioning Jordan Hill and Jeremy Lin as players who will likely change zip codes soon.
The Lakers, who are currently one of the cellar-dwelling teams in the Western Conference standings with their 13-40 record, are expected to make moves in the hope of improving their roster for next season.
According to Chris Broussard of ESPN, the Lakers had discussions with the Denver Nuggets about a trade involving Ty Lawson, who is reportedly being shopped after missing team practice without a valid reason.
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports also reported that the Lakers are one of the teams who are in the running for Phoenix Suns point guard Goran Dragic, who is expected to be moved before the deadline after informing his team that he will not sign a new deal this summer.
The Lakers do not have enough assets to offer different trade packages to the Suns or Nuggets, but any trade that they are planning to make will likely involve Hill and Lin.
Hill, who signed a two-year deal worth around $18 million with the Lakers in the offseason, is having the best season of his career as he is averaging 12.3 points and 8.0 rebounds per game.
Hill's career-high productions make him an attractive trade piece to other teams. Hill could also become a free agent if his team decides not to exercise their second-year option in the contract.
The 27-year-old forward told the LA Daily News that he is aware of the trade talks involving him, and said that he is ready for any eventuality on Thursday.
"It's nothing I can control. Whatever happens, happens. I'll keep on moving forward," Hill said. "Nobody knows what will happen. No one knows who will be here. Anybody can be gone. But it's what you sign up for."
On the other hand, Lin also told the Los Angeles Newspaper Group earlier this week that he is also making himself ready for a possible move prior to the 3 p.m. EST deadline on Thursday.
"I've been in cut rumors and trade rumors for a long time. So I'm not worried about it," Lin said. "It's just my Christian faith. God uses everything for good. That gives me the comfort I need."
However, previous reports indicated that the market for Lin has been very week because of his performance this season and his lucrative contract. Lin, who is averaging 10.2 points to go along with 4.6 assists and 2.4 rebounds per game, is set to earn a total of $14.9 million this season.
