The LA Lakers could have been a very different team based on NBA trade rumors that have recently emerged.
When the deadline lapsed the LA Lakers made only one deal: Sending Lou Williams to the Houston Rockets in exchange for a first round pick and Corey Brewer.
But they could have gone a different direction. Based on a report by Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, there was actually an offer from the Utah Jazz.
"Several teams had already inquired about high-scoring guard Lou Williams and offered draft picks. At least one of those offers (from the Houston Rockets and Utah Jazz) included a first-round pick."
Based on current standings, the Jazz pick was better than the Rockets and it's likely to remain so until the end of the season. What's more, as Lakers Nation points out, they could have gotten Boris Diaw, who could be a better player than Corey Brewer.
"While we don't know what other piece would have gone to the Lakers to match salaries, Utah does have Boris Diaw, whose $7 million deal matches Williams' for this season and is non-guaranteed for next year." One of the conditions that the Lakers were looking for in return for Williams was a player who matches Williams salary and contract duration.
Another trade they could have engaged was acquiring DeMarcus Cousins. In Shelburne's report, it involved the Lakers' three former lottery picks (Julius Randle, D'Angelo Russell and Brandon Ingram). It was earlier revealed that the Lakers would not include Ingram in a trade and that was the supposed deal breaker.
There were also rumors that the Lakers counter offer was Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle, but the Kings, specifically owner Vivek Ranadive, was very specific on which players he wanted which were Buddy Hield and Brandon Ingram.
