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Lakers trade rumors: L.A. eyes another veteran

While the entire Laker nation is still dealing with the sad news of longtime owner Dr. Jerry Buss's passing, the team is preparing to resume business as usual. Will that involve making a move to improve the 25-29 squad?

By Michael Jones
Jeff Gross

As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare to resume their season after the All-Star break, they will do so with heavy hearts after losing their beloved owner, Dr. Jerry Buss.

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But the business of running the franchise continues and, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports, head coach Mike D'Antoni is interested in giving former Laker-killer Raja Bell a long look via trade.

The 36-year-old swingman is a defensive stopper and a capable three-point shooter who would fit the mold of the ideal player for D'Antoni's system. Though he's 36 years old, he can still stroke it from beyond the arc and has more than capable defensive ability.

The Lakers have struggled in the exact areas where Bell excels, and that has to be the most attractive aspect of bringing him in. L.A. has shot just 35.1 percent from the arc and allowed 100.9 points per game to opponents through 54 games. In 2011-12, his last full season, Bell shot 39.1 percent from deep.

The Lakers' top-heavy salaries and injuries will prevent them from being major players in the trade game this year, but they may have the pieces to execute a lesser move before the Feb. 21 deadline.