According to ESPN's Chris Broussard, the free agent is unlikely to re-sign with the team, so the Lakers are in a difficult situation. They can keep pushing to sign the free agent and risk losing him for nothing, or they can try to negotiate with another team in order to get something in return for the center.
By agreeing to a sign-and-trade, the Lakers would also be helping the man who decided to leave their city.
The Lakers can simply offer more years and more money than any other team. They can offer a five-year deal worth $118 million compared to the four years and $88 million that the other 29 teams can offer.
Howard would be able to get the extra money through a sign-and-trade, so it would benefit everyone involved.
But what could the Lakers get in return for Howard?
Return Value
Marcus Thompson II of the Mercury News suggests that the Lakers could get a nice package from the Golden State Warriors.
Los Angeles would likely get Andrew Bogut and either Harrison Barnes or Klay Thompson from the Warriors. That would address two needs for the Lakers, and if he were to leave Los Angeles, the Lakers would probably prefer that he would join the Warriors over Houston, who many perceive to be Howard's No. 1 choice.
Golden State would have to do a sign-and-trade in order to get Howard. The Lakers would be able to demand whatever they wanted—within reason—if Howard chose the Warriors, as Golden State would presumably have to give up both size and a shooter.
Thompson would be ideal for the Lakers. He has shot 40.6 percent from three-point range in his career. He has also shot 43 percent from the floor and 85 percent from the line in his career, so he is a good all-around shoote...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
