LA Lakers Rumors: Team Targeting Big Names Via Trade As Free Agency Dwindles And Jeremy Lin Leaves
The L.A. Lakers have really tried to make a splash in 2015 NBA free agency, but it has not worked in their favor as of yet. With a number of names going to different teams and shunning the Lakers, the team has now started looking more into trades, and rumors have a number of big names on their radar.
Los Angeles missed out on LaMarcus Aldrige, DeAndre Jordan, and have now lost Jeremy Lin to the Charlotte Hornets. It’s time for the team to begin exploring who they could bring in via trades and get some help for their younger players.
For months, the Lakers have been rumored to be in trade talks with the Sacramento Kings for DeMarcus Cousins. Christian Today reports that both teams may have given up on the talks and simply will keep their respective players, or start discussing with other teams.
One rumor had the Kings wanting Julius Randle, rookie D’Angelo Russell, and Jordan Clarkson for Cousins. Obviously, the Lakers didn’t bite on that one. The deal for Roy Hibbert to the Lakers from the Indiana Pacers is expected to be completed on Thursday.
With Cousins possibly off the table now, the Lakers have begun looking at getting Brendan Haywood from the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs have been spending plenty of money, and unloading Haywood could help in that department, but the Lakers would have competition.
Cavs still discussing trade of Haywood contract with several teams, including Lakers, Suns, Clippers. Not talking Andy Varejao with anyone.
— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) July 8, 2015
The Lakers had also attempted to sign Kevin Love and Greg Monroe, but they missed out on both of them as well. The signings of Brandon Bass and Lou Williams will help, but trades could be the Lakers’ way of getting bigger talents.
Sports World Report states that the trade of Nick Young is a priority for the Lakers right now, and they are doing whatever they can to unload him. The L.A. Lakers were reportedly not thrilled with his inconsistency last season, and are looking to possibly have a veteran replace him.
Los Angeles is also connected to rumors of trying to bring in JaVale McGee or Josh Smith if the money and pieces of the puzzles can be worked out.
The L.A. Lakers are the subject of numerous rumors and have been for months, but not much seems to be coming true at all. Now, they hope that trades will be their answer to losing Jeremy Lin in free agency and missing out on signing big names.
[Image via Getty Images]
