It's no secret that the Los Angeles Lakers are in a tough spot this year, as their record is not really up to snuff for the playoffs. However, in an attempt increase their already impressive championship win record, the Lakers have been thinking about some serious options, including trading out one of their most popular players, Jeremy Lin.

Since December 27^th, Los Angeles are barely scraping by with a 9-21 record. They have a lot of catching up to do in the next 52 games to move ahead in the Western Conference. To qualify for the playoffs, the team needs to win at least 32 games.

This difficult situation might force Los Angeles to reconsider some of their leading players right now, including point guard Jeremy Lin.

Despite Lin's impressive performance earlier in the season with the New York Knicks, Lin has been faltering. While Lin leads the Lakers in assists, he has been inconsistent, and is only making an average of 10.5 points per game. For the Los Angeles Lakers, this is not enough to get them through to the playoffs.

The Lakers are looking at Lin because he is in the final year of his contract, and leading assists is not what the Lakers need right now. The Miami Heat, on the other hand, need a man like Lin. They rank 27^th out of the 30 NBA teams in assists, and are really struggling since they lost Lebron James. They have a realistic shot at the playoffs, one that could be made all the more real if they take on Jeremy Lin.

There are also rumors that Los Angeles may be dropping Kobe Bryant, who has had a hard season this year. However, Los Angeles Coach Byron Scott dismissed those rumors, saying that the Lakers "are a much better team when Kobe is on the basketball court."