The LA Lakers have missed out on signing another big man as the rumors of interest in Andrea Bargnani led to nothing. Now, they still have their sights set on two other big men, but one can be gotten via free agency and the other would have to be gotten via trade. NBA rumors have the Lakers connected to both of them, but will they actually be able to get one or the other or both?
Late on Sunday night, the Brooklyn Nets ended up signing former No. 1 overall pick Andrea Bargnani. It was believed that the Sacramento Kings had the upper-hand in discussions and the Lakers had joined in on the chase, but the Nets won out.
#Nets have reached an agreement in principle with free agent F/C Andrea Bargnani, GM Billy King announced today.
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) July 12, 2015
Bargnani was able to be had by the Nets for a two-year veterans minimum that includes a player option to return to free agency after this season. The Lakers had lost another one after LaMarcus Aldridge (Spurs) and DeAndre Jordan (Clippers) balked at them as well.
Now, the Lakers are turning their attention elsewhere, and a prime target is former Washington Wizards’ forward Kevin Seraphin. Bleacher Report states that Seraphin would add a lot of needed depth to the Lakers and they should actively pursue him.
If they are going after the 25-year-old, they will need to act quickly, as others are looking at him too. Last year, he averaged 6.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in just 15.6 minutes per game.
Wizards forward Kevin Seraphin getting interest from Washington, Lakers & Dallas, a source told Yahoo Sports.
— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) July 12, 2015
It is no surprise that the Wizards want him back and the Dallas Mavericks need a big guy after DeAndre Jordan totally turned his back on them. The Lakers are keeping their options open though, and are still looking at trading for Brendan Haywood of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Haywood didn’t do a lot last year, but he was dealing with a crowded Cavs’ bench. Considering he has a non-guaranteed contract worth $10.5 million, he is one that many teams are looking to acquire in a trade.
Even though he could come at a relatively cheaper price, the Lakers have not yet pushed to trade for Haywood. Some may think that unless Los Angeles can’t get Seraphin or one of the other free agents, then they will make a play to trade with the Cavs.
Lou Williams, Brandon Bass, and Roy Hibbert have all been big-time acquisitions for the LA Lakers during the offseason, but it just seems incomplete. Rumors continue to swirl, but the Lakers will need to make a move soon before too much time is gone.
[Image via Getty Images]