Lakers is reported to be very active in the trade market ahead of the Feb. 23 trade deadline closing in. Lakers is looking for players that will significantly increase its consistency.
Los Angeles Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak said that Lakers has more players to pursue in the trade market than any other teams, according to Los Angeles Times. He said the Lakers’ current roster has a lot of interesting players which are available for trade. As a result, Lakers is very active in the trade negotiation.
“I would think there’s more meaningful discussions this year than there have been the last two or three years,” Kupchak said. He also took note that the previous pool of talents in the Lakers have not as rich as this year. Therefore, Lakers will open to trade negotiation with any teams.
In order to strengthen the team, Kupchak and the Executive VP of basketball operations at the Lakers Jim Buss have contacted Magic Johnson. Kupchak and Buss are scheduled to meet his former team mate in 1980’s Lakers. Johnson was hired to be special advisor for the team.
According to Bleacher Report, Lakers is reported to be ready to send the versatile guard Lou Williams away. Williams signed the three-year contract with Lakers in July 2015 and he is a unique player with able to create high scoring game off-the-bench.
Williams will be a good option for teams that need a backup point guard like Cleveland Cavaliers that have been pursuing many player in that position. Other player that may also draw interest from the NBA teams is Nick Young, a valuable wing player and good scorer but lack in defensive skill. Young had to give up his place in the starting lineup to Jordan Clarkson and Brandon Ingram since Luke Walton took the head coach position in Lakers.
Watch the Lakers Nation report regarding the trade plan from general manager Kupchak below:
