Lakers express trade interest in Pistons’ Danilo Gallinari

The Los Angeles Lakers are doing everything they can to add some help, and the idea of a third “star” is becoming less likely.

But they can always use some extra assistance in reserve.

Per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Lakers have “checked in” on veteran Pistons forward Danilo Gallinari, acquired earlier this season in a trade with the Washington Wizards.

Another player rival executives are monitoring is Danilo Gallinari who’s continued to be a knockdown 3-point shooter while playing minutes at the four and small ball five at times in the final year of his contract,” Scotto wrote. “The Lakers are among the teams who’ve checked in on Gallinari’s price tag to acquire him, league sources told HoopsHype.”

What are the Lakers willing to surrender for Gallinari? That part hasn’t been reported — though you can be sure it wouldn’t cost them much. And at this rate, that may be the Lakers’ best option. They may be best served finding a player who can give them some outside shooting, scoring punch and veteran know-how.

Gallinari fits such a description. Sometimes, the best moves barely cost you a thing.

The NBA trade deadline is Thursday. The Lakers have been linked to a whole laundry list of opponents — from Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray to Washington Wizards point guard Tyus Jones to Brooklyn Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie and forwards Dorian Finney-Smith and Royce O’Neale, among others.

Most executives believe they will do something, anything to try to improve their status and try to get a top-six seed in the Western Conference and avoid the play-in tournament.

They have undoubtedly played better lately, beating both the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks on the road. But it’s been an uneven season, overall. Now, the Lakers are hoping to do something about that.

Meanwhile, the Pistons are said to be willing to trade off their older players.