Los Angeles Lakers trade rumors: Lakers looking at 2017 summer for signings

There may be some optimism for the Los Angeles Lakers heading into the new season but many know that they still have a long journey ahead of them. For the first time in what seems like an eternity of seasons, the Lakers will be without Kobe Bryant and they are now relying on a very young core that must develop and grow to carry the franchise.

That is the very reason for optimism but the Lakers are one of the biggest franchises in the National Basketball Association and they always opt for a solution to bring joy to the fans. Because of this, there are already rumors circulating that the Lakers are trying to bring in some big names at the end of the 2016-17 campaign.

One of the first names that come to mind is the Philadelphia 76ers' Nerlens Noel.

Always finding himself in trade discussion over the internet, Noel is one of the three centers the Sixers have at the moment. Given that there might not be enough playing time to move around, Noel may be better off finding other places to play, and the Lakers may be one of the best landing spots for the big man.

In the past season, Noel averaged 11.1 points and 8.1 assists per game. He is young and has a very bright future ahead.

Another name linked to the team is Kenneth Faried of the Denver Nuggets. Faried has found his name linked to teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers who are looking to maximize his energy and motor to fuel defences and spark the team.

The Lakers can be one too, with Faried helping out the young stars with direction but also able to match them in terms of speed and tenacity. In his career, Faried averaged 12.3 points and 8.7 rebounds per game.

Finally, Jimmy Butler has been linked to the Lakers this season and it could be a done deal by the summer of 2017. Butler is with the Bulls but it is an ageing team. It is very possible that if the Bulls fail to make a run again this year, Butler may see himself out.

With a breakout year last season, Butler averaged 20.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game which would be very helpful if the Lakers end up with the guard after this campaign.