With the taste of Wednesday's hideous loss to the Kings still too fresh in the collective mouth of Lakers Nation, it's no surprise that Thursday's news was centered a lot around potential trades. Reports that the Lakers are interested in Toronto Raptors swingman Gary Trent Jr., who at only 23 has come into his own as a shooter and would certainly give the Lakers another threat on the perimeter. Could he be had for the standard Lakers package of Talen Horton-Tucker, Kendrick Nunn and draft considerations? Would that be a deal worth making for LA?

Is the team any closer to a viable path to Detroit's Jerami Grant, now that the Knicks (an awkward but frequently mentioned potential suitor for the Pistons forward) acquired former Hawk Cam Reddish Thursday afternoon? How about a hypothetical uber-blockbuster that would send Westbrook to Philly for Simmons AND Tobias Harris, who is apparently available if it helps the Sixers move their disgruntled star.

The RealGM trade constructor says a deal can be done. But would Philly, or any team, agree to take on Westbrook given his current performance and huge player option for next year?

Those topics, plus a look at the team's supporting cast. Trevor Ariza is back in the lineup, but of late at least looks every bit of 36 years old. Stanley Johnson, meanwhile, continues playing hard but with more exposure it's easy to see his limitations, and why he was available for the Lakers to begin with.

One question the Lakers have to consider: Is this team worth trying to rescue? Or would it be better to wait until the offseason, when it's easier to construct deals and the market is more stable?

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Ariza and Johnson - How is this going to play out? Can either be significant contributors over the second half? What would that look like?

SEGMENT 2: Looking at rumors around Gary Trent Jr.. If the Lakers could swing it, should they? Would Toronto agree to that?

SEGMENT 3: How about a hypothetical built around Ben Simmons? Yes? No? Either way, it demonstrates how hard it will be to unwind the Russ deal.

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