NBA trade rumors: Lakers won't move $17,000,000 forward crucial to acquiring Anthony Davis' backup who shoots 42.3% from 3

The LA Lakers won't move Rui Hachimura for marginal upgrades despite the forward's $17,000,000 salary being an excellent luxury for the team to use in trades. However, LA remains high on Hachimura and won't move him unless there's potential to acquire a surefire All-Star caliber talent like De'Aaron Fox.

Hachimura has averaged 12.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 0.9 steals, shooting 48.2%, including 42.2% from 3 in 30 games. He has been more streaky than last year when he averaged 13.6 ppg. However, the Lakers still prefer to retain him. Here's what Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus reported:

"According to multiple competing executives, Vincent has marginal to no trade value, and Vanderbilt (out after foot surgery) has negative value. The Lakers don't want to trade Hachimura or Dalton Knecht, so league sources expect their primary trade bait to be first-round picks (2029-2031)."

Hachimura is one of the most reliable offensive players when he has the rhythm. When he's not, he's almost a liability on both ends. That has prompted many Lakers fans to show a willingness to move on from him and seek upgrades, especially at the center position.

One name coveted lately is former All-Star center Nikola Vucevic. The Bulls center is averaging 20.5 ppg, 10.2 rpg and 3.3 apg, shooting 42.3% from 3. He's the ideal center next to Anthony Davis because of his ability to space the floor. The 6-foot-11 center is on the trade market as the Bulls are looking to move their veteran ahead of the deadline.

However, Vucevic makes $20,000,000 this season. The most likely way for LA to acquire him is by trading Rui Hachimura's $17,000,000 contract with draft compensation and another veteran minimum player.

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LA Lakers trade rumors: Looking at other options as Anthony Davis' backups

The LA Lakers are eyeing a big man in the market. With each passing game, their need for one is glaring. Jaxson Hayes and Christian Koloko haven't made considerable impact as Anthony Davis' backups, prompting JJ Redick to play a small ball lineup with Rui Hachimura or LeBron James at center, which exploits the team's weaknesses defensively, especially on the glass.

The Lakers have one of the worst rebounding rates in the NBA, and it's directly hindering their results. The Lakers have been in the market for a center, and along with Vucevic, names like Jonas Valanciunas, Walker Kessler, Robert Williams III and Nick Richards are also linked to LA.

However, the LA Lakers are stalling to see if Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood's potential returns resolve their frontcourt woes. The duo could return over the next couple of weeks. The Lakers have until Feb. 6 to make a call on their center rotation.