Lakers trade rumors: Insider predicts only pathway for LA to win $34,848,340 All-Star's sweepstakes

It's almost a given that the LA Lakers will be linked to the best players in the trade market when they are even remotely considered available. The latest name to hit such a buzz around is Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox. Amid the Lakers' division rivals underwhelming 14-19 start, speculation around Fox potentially demanding a trade is on the rise.

He has two more years left on his current deal. Fox is owed $34,848,340 this season. If the Kings traded him at the deadline, he's a realistic target for many teams, keeping the logistics in mind for a less complex trade. The Lakers are also among the teams who can engage in a direct swap.

However, NBA and Lakers insider Jovan Buha believes other potential suitors like the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs can 'easily' beat LA to a deal. However, Buha predicted a scenario where Rob Pelinka and his front office have a shot at winning the Fox sweepstakes while discussing this move on his podcast, "Buha's Block," on Wednesday.

"De'Aaron [Fox] is more realistic in terms of salary matching (for Lakers)," Buha said. "Probably less realistic if there's a real bidding war for De'Aaron Fox, the Lakers could easily be outbid by a Houston, a San Antonio. It would almost have to be him forcing his hand to the Lakers." (51:00)

It's not uncommon for players to force their way to a specific team via trade. It has happened before and can be the case again. Fox is also a Klutch Sports client, the same agency, which represents Lakers stars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

However, the Kings will likely keep their best interests in mind to maximize their returns on Fox. He's their best asset in several years and trading him would require a blockbuster haul from suitors.

NBA Trade Rumors: Rockets' potential package makes it near impossible for Lakers to acquire De'Aaron Fox

The Rockets, along with the Spurs, are two heavily touted landing spots for De'Aaron Fox. They have the young pieces to ship to Sacramento, which allows the Kings to get into their rebuild right away. Houston and San Antonio also have more draft capital to entice their conference rival.

The Lakers barely stand a chance in such a scenario. Their best young prospect is Dalton Knecht, whose ceiling may not be as high as Reed Sheppard, Houston's No. 3 pick. According to Eric Pincus, the Rockets could be the best trade partner for the Kings.

In his projection, Pincus thinks the Kings could end up with a major haul, including Sheppard, Jalen Green and Cam Whitmore, as the marquee pieces of a trade framework. The package could also include two first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps, among other assets.