Los Angeles Lakers trade rumors 2016: MCW, Jahlil Okafor acquired in four-team swap?

Following a successful season opener, trade rumors are likely slowing down for the Los Angeles Lakers. But still there are some, with one featuring the potential addition of point guard Michael Carter-Williams and center Jahlil Okafor. 

(Reuters/Jayne Kamin-Oncea/USA TODAY Sports)Los Angeles Lakers guard Lou Williams (left) with the retired Kobe Bryant.

This possibility was explored by SportsBlog in its report. To make things simple, the exchange involves four teams: the Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers, Chicago Bulls and the Brooklyn Nets. 

In the trade, the players the Lakers are letting go are José Calderón, Lou Williams and Julius Randle. They will then be receiving Carter-Williams from the Bulls and Okafor from Philly.

This move is clearly for defense, an aspect of the game seen by many as a problem for the young and rebuilding Lakers. 

According to SportsBlog, Carter-Williams gives Los Angeles a "defensive minded" point guard. This also allows D'Angelo Russell to play at no. 2, a position where he could truly thrive. 

Okafor's potential contributions to the Lakers were already discussed numerous times since he was frequently connected to them during the off-season. 

Carter-Williams and Okafor would be good improvements. They can even have a bigger impact to the Lakers in the future if this materializes. But sacrificing three quality players, including a developing big man, may be too much.  

The Lakers might give the thumbs-up for Calderón, although for Williams and Randle, it is a different story. 

Williams last season was an efficient scorer for Los Angeles. He was coming off the bench but still became one of the few bright spots for the purple and gold. The 30-year-old remains a reliable veteran and that is considered a gem in the league. 

Randle is part of the young core the Lakers are aiming to mold. In the 2015-16 season, he displayed great potential, and for this reason alone, it would be hard for them to part ways with him. 

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