Can Lakers Still Become Playoff Contender amid Latest NBA Trade Rumors?

The Los Angeles Lakers are 7-12 and have won five of their last seven games. They are expected to make a trade before the February 9 deadline. The Lakers have only two first-round draft picks for the rest of the decade. A potential deal between the Lakers and the Indiana Pacers fell apart before season. If the teams re-engage in discussions later on, the deal could be possible again. Los Lakers would have to give up point guard Russell Westbrook in exchange for Myles Turner and Buddy Hield. However, they would fare better with Turner than Westbrook. It's possible the team could still make it to the playoffs.