Los Angeles Lakers: What Players Not Named Kobe Bryant Are Most Expendable?

Most NBA teams would be happy with a 34-15 record at this point in the season, a winning percentage of .694, sole possession of first place in their division and a player most consider to be the game’s best closer.  But, then, these are the Los Angeles Lakers, and they are not your ordinary NBA team.

The two-time defending champions are just 6-4 in their last 10 games, including a lost weekend where they were punked by the Sacramento Kings and ambushed by the Boston Celtics.  It took overtime for the Lakers to get by the Houston Rockets on Tuesday, and tonight they were to face the league’s top team in San Antonio, a club they lost by 15 to on the road in late December.

A decisive win over the Spurs would quell some of the trade talk.

Either way, this year’s Lakers have been inconsistent and often lethargic.  This week, Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak uncharacteristically talked openly about a possible trade to shore up their weaknesses.  Jerry West called them old, and Magic Johnson criticized their uninspiring play.  These are truly trying times in Lakers Nation. 

Aside from a few immovables (Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol and probably Derek Fisher), virtually everyone on the Lakers is expendable given the right scenario.  A trade is not out of the question for most any player. 

There really are just a handful of Lakers who would bring quality players in a trade.  Kupchak and the Buss family have to be considering all possibilities, given the way the league's most expensive team has underperformed.

Let’s take a look at a group of Lakers that may be worth moving in a trade in order to shake up the makeup and get the team back on track.  Remember, in order for the team to get some help, they will need to give up some talent in return.  Nothing is free, especially in the NBA.

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Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers