The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly trying to improve their lineup using their remaining trade chip in All-Star point guard Pau Gasol. According to several NBA analysts, the Philadelphia 76ers could be an ideal trade partner for the Lakers because of the abundance of talents in their line-up.

Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak previously stressed the Lakers have no intention to tank away the season, insisting getting into the postseason remains a goal for the ballclub despite their current standings in a very competitive Western Conference playoff race.

"There is no way to believe that a team would, on purpose, do a terrible job in the summer and a terrible job in the draft because they want to lose games the next season. Now, I'm sure once the season begins and things go or don't go your way, the speculation as to what may happen if things continue may arise," Kupchack said in an interview with Mike Trudell of Lakers.com

"We've been through years like that, and there's never been a discussion in midseason in this building where ownership would say, "It's best to lose." That's never taken place. Now, I don't even know how you convey that message to the coach if it were the goal."

"Coaches are defined by their record; it's intuitive that they do not want to lose. It's inconceivable to me that a general manager would try to convey that message to anybody. So it's never happened here and it never will. It's the worst message you can ever give to anybody," the executive added.

With Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash set to be back on the floor, the Lakers are expected to make some playoff push after the All-Star break.

However, many basketball followers predicted the Lakers to come up short, if they don't make significant upgrades in their lineup. As the Feb 20 trade deadline draws near, the Lakers are suddenly scrambling to come up with a decent move before the trade window closes out.

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Lakers Target Hawes & Turner

According to Latino Post, the Lakers could reportedly hammer a deal with the Sixers. Gasol, who is expected to become a free-agent after this season, has a fat expiring contract many teams want to have. For the trade to happen, the Lakers have to give up Gasol and a future first-round draft pick.

Sixers General Manager Sam Hinkie already expressed his willingness to part ways with some of his players - Turner, Hawes and Thaddeus Young - in exchange for future draft picks.

Turner, set to be a restricted free-agent this summer, is averaging a career-high 18.5 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists, while Hawes is producing 14.1 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game.

The acquisition of Hawes and Turner will certainly help the Lakers plug in the holes in their line-up, especially in the small forward and center position.

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