"If the Lakers do not trade for Dwight Howard before the March 15 deadline, and all signs point to them taking a pass if it means sending Andrew Bynum and/or Pau Gasol to get him, there could be another possible deal to be made.

Deron Williams could be available in a trade if his team, the New Jersey Nets, can't complete a deal with the Orlando Magic for Howard.

Williams would like to stay with the Nets if they acquire Howard, according to ESPN The Magazine.

The Lakers tried and failed to address their need to upgrade at point guard when they sought to acquire Chris Paul from the New Orleans Hornets last month.

Williams could be the next best option, if the Nets decide to trade him.

Williams, a free agent at season's end, reportedly was open to a trade to the Clippers but when Paul landed there from New Orleans, it ended that potential destination. Williams has an offseason home in San Diego. "