The Oklahoma City Thunder could eventually decide to trade Reggie Jackson before the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 19 instead of losing him for nothing via free agency in the offseason.
According to Evan Massey of FanSided, Jackson could draw the interest of several teams looking for additional talents, including the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers will likely lose Kobe Bryant for the rest of the season, but even if they have the 19-year veteran in their roster, the squad really needs another star to carry the team in order to become a regular playoff contender.
Bryant, who sustained a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder, might also decide to retire after the 2014-15 NBA season, which means the Lakers will have to find a budding star soon, and Massey believes Jackson fits the billing.
Jackson, who will become an unrestricted free agent after the current season, is averaging 14.2 points to go along with 4.6 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game this season.
Acquiring Jackson will be easier said than done for the Lakers due to their lack of attractive assets, but the Thunder might be interested in moving the 24-year-old to Los Angeles if offered a first-round pick in the deal.
According to Massey, the Lakers could offer a first-rounder along with Jeremy Lin and Ed Davis to the Thunder for Jackson along with an expensive contract such as Kendrick Perkins' $9.15 million contract.
Jackson will eventually add scoring punch to the Lakers, while Lin and Davis could play a big role in the Thunder's playoff chase this season.
Lin, who is averaging 10.5 points to go along with 4.5 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game this season, could take the role Jackson will leave, while Davis could be a huge boost to the Thunder's second unit. Davis is averaging 7.9 points to go along with 7.0 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game this season.
However, the Lakers are expected to face stiff competition in case the Thunder decide to shop Jackson before the deadline.
The Indiana Pacers are also mentioned as potential landing spot for Jackson. The Pacers are also looking for a player who could be their franchise point guard and could ease some load on Paul George's shoulder when the superstar returns from a leg injury.
The Pacers could offer David West and C.J. Watson in exchange for Jackson and Perkins. The Thunder are expected to ask for more, but Massey believes the deal would benefit both teams.
