Lakers would acquire final piece to puzzle in this mock trade

Obviously, NBA teams aren’t allowed to conduct any trades until the start of the offseason, but it’s pretty safe to say that teams are starting to prepare for any potential moves they would want to make come summertime.

The Los Angeles Lakers made some significant changes to their roster leading up to the trade deadline by getting rid of Russell Westbrook, Patrick Beverley, Kendrick Nunn, Juan Toscano-Anderson and Damian Jones while bringing in Rui Hachimura, D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, Jarred Vanderbilt and Mo Bamba.

While it is no guarantee that all their new players will work out, the Lakers are currently much more balanced, young and more athletic than they were just one month ago, and certainly much more than they were last season.

But in order to become championship contenders, they may need one more piece, and general manager Rob Pelinka will surely look to acquire that final piece in July.

The trade market should be L.A.’s best bet to complete what it hopes will be a championship puzzle for next season, and this mock trade, which was suggested by James Piercey of NBA Analysis Network, could put the team over the top.