The deadline usually means more talking than dealing, but that's not always the case. Some teams decide to shake things up and actually pull the trigger on some sizable deals.
Looking at the All-Star break standings, a few teams really jump off the page as organizations that are in desperate need of a shakeup. Whether they are just a piece away from making a big leap as a team or in need of blowing things up to prepare for the future, these teams need to be active in making a deal or two before the deadline passes.
Los Angeles Lakers
Were you expecting someone else?
Trade rumors and speculation surrounding the Lakers have been beat to death, but where there's smoke there's fire—the Lakers are in desperate need of new personnel.
When the team added Steve Nash and Dwight Howard to the mix in the offseason, no one thought they would be below .500 at this point in the season. The harsh reality is that they are, and patience only goes so far in getting this group to come together.
The Lakers have a ton of talent. It's one of the most talented rosters in the league. The problem is that the players don't fit well with each other, nor do they fit in coach Mike D'Antoni's system.
Speculation has surrounded Pau Gasol for much of the season, but with the Spanish center missing six-to-eight weeks with an injury, it's not likely he will be traded.
The obvious answer for the Lakers is to trade away Howard. The star center isn't guaranteed to stick around after this season anyway and his value remains extremely high.
Trading away Howard would be an admission coming to Los Angeles was a mistake from the beginning, but it appears to be the only way for Kobe and Co. to salvage this season.
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Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
