It’s no secret that the Los Angeles Lakers are active in trade talks ahead of the February deadline. The team has certain holes on its roster that it will be looking to plug through trades or free agent signings in the next month.
One such hole is a lack of big wings who could defend the likes of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George in a potential playoff series. That issue has manifested itself at various points this season despite the team’s 35-9 record.
It’s no secret then that the Lakers are among several teams who have expressed interest in Minnesota Timberwolves forward Robert Covington, according to Ben Cohen of the Wall Street Journal. Other reported suitors include the Clippers, Mavericks, 76ers and Rockets.
Covington is averaging 12.7 points and 5.9 rebounds per game while shooting just under 35 percent from behind the arc but the seventh year veteran makes his name defensively. He has shown an ability to guard both elite wings and power forwards.
While undeniably a perfect fit for the Lakers, the organization may find themselves unable to trade for Covington due to a lack of assets. Any trade would almost certainly have to include Kyle Kuzma, who has been a key member of trade speculation again this season, due to the seemingly active bidding war for Covington’s services from other contending teams. Even if the Lakers decide they are willing to part with Kuzma to get Covington, who has two more years remaining on his contract after this season, they may not have enough assets to secure him.
Right now, Covington seems like a pipe dream for the Lakers but the organization is smartly doing their due diligence in case the situation changes.
