Los Angeles Lakers Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Lakers Facing Interesting Decisions Ahead Of Deadline

March 23rd, 2021 at 8:46pm CST by Alex Kirschenbaum

With All-Star Lakers forward LeBron James unavailable indefinitely as he deals with a high-ankle sprain, Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports wonders if a rival contender like the Clippers, Jazz, Heat, or Nets will be more motivated to try to make roster improvements at the trade deadline.

Meanwhile, Jovan Buha of The Athletic considers whether James joining his fellow injured L.A. All-Star Anthony Davis on the sidelines could impact the Lakers’ trade deadline plans. Frank Vogel certainly seems to think so.

“I’m sure we’ll get into deeper conversations in the coming days,” the Lakers’ head coach said. “But, obviously, when you have two key guys that are gonna be out, you look at the trade market differently and obviously the buyout market differently, so those are conversations that will be had in the coming days.”

Buha opines that the Lakers could use an additional ball-handler with James and Davis sidelined.

Trade Rumors: Hill, Bledsoe, Redick, O. Porter, Knicks, More

March 23rd, 2021 at 2:16pm CST by Luke Adams

George Hill‘s name has come up more frequently in conversations among team executives as the trade deadline approaches, writes Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, adding that the Clippers, Lakers, and Sixers are among the teams with interest in the Thunder guard. Hill hasn’t played since January 24 due to a thumb injury, but is out of his cast and is working toward a return, as Brandon Rahbar of Daily Thunder tweets.

While some clubs are hoping the Thunder will buy out Hill, that seems unlikely, since he has another partially guaranteed year left on his contract, and buyouts aren’t really Sam Presti‘s “M.O.,” as one assistant general manager tells Fischer.

Plus, the Thunder are in position to take on salary in trades if it nets them greater draft compensation, Fischer writes. Oklahoma City is one of two teams – along with New York – that remains below the salary floor this season, as John Hollinger of The Athletic observes, so the club could take on about $12MM without taking any real financial hit.

Here are a few more trade rumors from around the NBA:

A number of Pelicans players were prominently involved in trade rumors in January and February, but some of that talk has died down as of late, according to Fischer, who says there doesn’t seem to be any real traction toward an Eric Bledsoe deal. As for J.J. Redick, a buyout seems more likely than a trade at this point, per Fischer.
Bulls forward Otto Porter Jr. is available in trade discussions, but would probably only make sense as a salary-matching piece for a high-salary player, such as DeMar DeRozan, writes Fischer. If Porter remains in Chicago through the deadline, it’s possible he could emerge as a buyout candidate.
The only way the Knicks would realistically pull the trigger on a Victor Oladipo trade this week is if the team receives assurances that he’ll re-sign this summer, according to Marc Berman of The New York Post, who says the team isn’t interested in giving up any real assets for a rental.
Potential buyers are expecting – or at least hoping – that the price tags on certain big-name trade candidates, such as Oladipo, Aaron Gordon, and Harrison Barnes, will drop as the deadline nears, tweets Chris Mannix of SI.com. I’m not sure that’s a safe bet, since it seems to be a sellers’ market.

Execs Expect Andre Drummond To End Up With Lakers

March 23rd, 2021 at 10:27am CST by Luke Adams

With just two days left before the NBA’s trade deadline, the Andre Drummond situation remains unchanged — the Cavaliers are still holding out hope that they’ll be able to recoup a second-round pick in a trade, while people around the league remain skeptical it will happen. The main roadblock is Drummond’s $28.75MM salary, which will be difficult for teams to match without giving up a rotation player.

“The hard part is he just makes so much money,” one assistant general manager told Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report. “It’s hard to not include a contract you don’t want to trade.”

The Celtics, Knicks, Mavericks, and Bulls are among the teams that have kicked the tires on Drummond, and it’s possible one of those clubs – or a new suitor – will meet Cleveland’s asking price right before Thursday’s deadline. However, according to Fischer, teams like the Lakers and Nets remain confident that the Cavs will be unable to find a deal they like.

The Lakers and Nets have long been identified as the top contenders to sign Drummond if he’s bought out and reaches free agency, though it sounds like Los Angeles is viewed as the leader in that scenario.

Fischer writes that you’d be “hard-pressed” to find an executive around the NBA who doesn’t think Drummond would sign with the Lakers as a free agent. Meanwhile, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst conveyed a similar sentiment on his latest Hoop Collective podcast.

“The league believes, and I know that’s a vague statement, but I’m saying it that way to avoid trapping myself,” Windhorst said, per RealGM. “The league believes, numerous teams I’ve talked to believe that Andre Drummond is heading for the Lakers if – slash when – he gets bought out.”

It’s worth noting that the Lakers would be limited to offering Drummond the veteran’s minimum in free agency, while the Nets and other potential suitors could go significantly higher using various mid-level or disabled player exceptions. Still, unless the 27-year-old gives up a significant chunk of what’s left on his $28.75MM salary this season, I’d expect him to prioritize his potential role and fit with a new team over a little extra money.

Trade Rumors: Gordon, Bagley, Collins, Turner, Nuggets, Mavs

March 23rd, 2021 at 9:11am CST by Luke Adams

Magic forward Aaron Gordon continues to be one of the most intriguing trade candidates leading up to Thursday’s deadline, with a Monday report indicating that the Celtics are believed to be the frontrunners for him. Boston reportedly offered two first-round picks and may be eyeing a bigger deal that also features Marcus Smart and Evan Fournier, as Sam Amick of The Athletic confirms.

According to Amick, the Nuggets are currently viewed as the second-strongest suitor for Gordon. Denver has done a good deal of research on the veteran forward in an attempt to determine how well he’d fit the team’s system and culture, sources tell The Athletic.

The Rockets were considered a serious threat to land Gordon at one point, but they no longer to be among the favorites. As Amick explains, the 25-year-old’s disinterest in signing a longer-term extension with Houston may dissuade the club from giving up valuable assets for him. Gordon’s current contract is set to expire after the 2021/22 season.

Here are a few more trade rumors from around the NBA:

The Kings, who reportedly offered Marvin Bagley III to Detroit in a proposal for Saddiq Bey, have also made Bagley available in discussions with the Hawks about John Collins, says Amick. The Celtics, meanwhile, have “cooled” on Collins due to concerns about how much he’ll cost to retain in restricted free agency, Amick adds.
The Pacers would have to be blown away by a “no-brainer” deal in order to trade Myles Turner this week, multiple sources tell J. Michael of The Indianapolis Star. The Hornets, Lakers, Clippers, Knicks, and Pelicans are among the teams with interest in the big man, according to Michael, who says one three-team deal discussed last season would’ve sent Turner to New Orleans and Collins to Indiana.
The Nuggets and Mavericks remain on the lookout for wing help, with both clubs offering second-round picks and a veteran for salary-matching purposes (Gary Harris and James Johnson), per Joe Vardon of The Athletic.

Former Lakers Star Elgin Baylor Passes Away

March 22nd, 2021 at 1:55pm CST by Luke Adams

Former Lakers star Elgin Baylor has passed away at age 86, the team announced today (link). Baylor died of natural causes, surrounded by family, per the Lakers.

A 6’5″ forward, Baylor played his college ball at Seattle University, leading the team to an appearance in the championship game in 1958 and earning Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors. He was the first overall pick in the NBA draft later that year, joining the Minneapolis Lakers.

Baylor spent his entire NBA career with the Lakers, first in Minneapolis and then in Los Angeles. He earned 11 All-Star nods and 10 All-NBA First Team berths over the course of an impressive playing career, winning the Rookie of the Year and All-Star Game MVP awards in 1959. He averaged 27.4 points and 13.5 rebounds in 846 career regular season games.

Baylor, who had his No. 22 jersey retired by the Lakers, was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a player in 1977.

“Elgin was THE superstar of his era – his many accolades speak to that,” Lakers owner Jeanie Buss said today in a statement. “He was one of the few Lakers players whose career spanned from Minneapolis to Los Angeles. But more importantly he was a man of great integrity, even serving his country as a U.S. Army reservist, often playing for the Lakers only during his weekend pass. He is one of the all-time Lakers greats with his No. 22 jersey retired in the rafters and his statue standing guard in front of Staples Center. He will always be part of the Lakers legacy.”

Following his playing career, Baylor spent time in the 1970s as a coach for the New Orleans Jazz, then served as the Clippers’ vice president of basketball operations for over two decades, winning the NBA’s Executive of the Year award in 2006. He ultimately resigned from the role at age 74 in 2008.

Our condolences go out to Baylor’s family and friends.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Fischer’s Latest: Graham, Hornets, Mavs, Fournier, Knicks, More

March 22nd, 2021 at 11:57am CST by Luke Adams

While it remains unclear how LaMelo Ball‘s wrist injury will affect the potential availability of fellow Hornets guard Devonte’ Graham, some people around the league were already skeptical that Charlotte would trade Graham this week, writes Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report.

“They’ll try to keep him, and they’re willing to pay,” one assistant general manager said of Graham, who is eligible for restricted free agency this summer. Team executives polled by Fischer estimated that it may cost about $13-16MM annually on a four-year deal for the Hornets to re-sign Graham.

Ball’s injury may make the Hornets less likely to address their center position with a one-year stopgap, but it shouldn’t discourage them from remaining on the lookout for a long-term solution, per ESPN’s Zach Lowe.

Both Fischer and Lowe reiterate that Pacers center Myles Turner is high on Charlotte’s wish list, which has been previously reported. Fischer also identifies Grizzlies big man Gorgui Dieng as a potential target for the Hornets and says Charlotte has also called the Lakers asking about Montrezl Harrell.

Here’s more from Fischer:

The Mavericks have been the “loudest rumored team” for Magic guard Evan Fournier, according to Fischer, who says that one possible package would consist of James Johnson and a pair of second-round picks.
The Hawks are worth keeping an eye on as a possible Victor Oladipo landing spot, says Fischer, adding that the team has made Bogdan Bogdanovic and Cam Reddish available.
The Knicks have signaled interest in using their $15MM in cap room to accommodate a three-team deal, per Fischer. Some people within the team’s front office are against the idea of surrendering any draft assets for a player who could be signed this summer.
Fischer adds the Rockets, Pacers, and Bulls to the list of teams that have looked into a possible acquisition of Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie. Miami, Detroit, and Toronto have previously been cited as possibilities for Dinwiddie.
Although the Pelicans and Bulls had some earlier discussions centered around Lauri Markkanen and Lonzo Ball, those talks haven’t seemed substantial, sources tell Fischer.

Charania’s Latest: LeBron, Fournier, Raptors, Holmes, More

March 22nd, 2021 at 9:22am CST by Luke Adams

There’s an initial expectation that the high ankle sprain LeBron James suffered over the weekend will sideline the Lakers star for multiple weeks, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

As Charania explains, James has been incredibly durable throughout his career and has a high pain tolerance, but high ankle sprains are generally multi-week injuries and the Lakers will want to play it safe with the superstar forward to ensure he’s back to 100% by the time the playoffs begin in May. The team has a 28-15 record and isn’t in any danger of losing a playoff spot, so James won’t be rushed back.

Here’s more from Charania:

The Celtics are eyeing Magic guard Evan Fournier, sources tell The Athletic. Fournier’s $17MM expiring contract could be absorbed using Boston’s $28.5MM trade exception.
Charania adds the Raptors to the list of teams showing interest in Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie. Toronto is also – along with the Hornets – among the clubs interested in Kings center Richaun Holmes, according to Charania.
Although the Mavericks have discussed a possible Andre Drummond trade with the Cavaliers, Dallas is more likely to pursue the veteran center if he’s bought out, says Charania.
Teams around the NBA are monitoring Raptors swingman Norman Powell and Lakers wing Talen Horton-Tucker, per Charania. Both players are eligible for free agency in 2021 — Powell will be unrestricted, while Horton-Tucker will be restricted.

Lakers Not Re-Signing Damian Jones

March 21st, 2021 at 1:31pm CST by Alex Kirschenbaum

Lakers center Damian Jones, whose second 10-day contract with Los Angeles expired overnight, will not be retained on a rest-of-season deal, per Dan Woike of The Los Angeles Times.

Jones has suited up in eight contests for the Lakers so far (including six starts, with Marc Gasol sidelined due to COVID-19 protocols). Woike notes that roster limitations impeded on Jones getting further time with the club.

With the departure of Jones, the Lakers have two open roster spots. That flexibility could come in handy as they look for help in the trade and buyout markets as All-Stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis remain out. The team may prefer to add a more seasoned big man like Andre Drummond, should the Cavaliers center become available on the buyout market.

As Kevin Pelton of ESPN details, the Lakers are only about $1.7MM below their hard cap, which will limit the amount of salary they can take on in any deal. Woike also mentioned the hard cap was a consideration in the Lakers’ decision to move on from Jones.

Jones, 25, spent his first three NBA seasons as an occasional player for some loaded Warriors teams. He spent all of the 2019/20 season with the Hawks. This year, he logged 14 games in Phoenix before latching on with Los Angeles. He averaged 5.4 PPG, 3.3 RPG, and 0.9 BPG across 14.0 MPG in his eight contests with LA.

LeBron James Out Indefinitely With High Ankle Sprain

March 20th, 2021 at 7:08pm CST by Arthur Hill

7:08pm: James has issued a tweet about the injury, vowing to return as soon as he can. “Nothing angers and saddens me more than not being available to and for my teammates! I’m hurt inside and out right now,” he wrote. “The road back from recovery begins now. Back soon like I never left.”

6:29pm: James’ injury is a high ankle sprain, tweets Shams Charania of The Athletic. He will be out indefinitely, Wojnarowski adds (via Twitter). The Lakers have confirmed the injury, according to Mark Medina of USA Today (Twitter link).

The severity of the sprain will determine how much time James will miss, notes Bill Oram of The Athletic (Twitter link). He could return within about two weeks if it’s a Grade 1 sprain, but a Grade 3 sprain could keep him out for six weeks, which is near the beginning of the playoffs.

5:38pm: X-rays were negative for Lakers star LeBron James, who left today’s game after hurting his right ankle, tweets ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. The team is still awaiting MRI results to determine the extent of the injury, Woj adds.

James was pulled from the game in the second quarter after a collision with the Hawks’ Solomon Hill and limped to the sidelines, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN (Twitter link). He re-laced his shoes and briefly returned, but had to check out again and threw a chair in frustration as he headed to the locker room (Twitter link).

Some of the Lakers were angry about what happened, claiming that Hill was out of line when he dove onto the floor and through James’ legs on a steal attempt, tweets Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register.

“We don’t feel like it was one of those basketball-type plays,” said Montrezl Harrell. “… He had to go through his leg to get the ball.”

Harrell added that he doesn’t think Hill was trying to hurt James, but said the league should review what happened. Dennis Schröder called it an “unnecessary play,” tweets Jovan Buha of The Athletic.

Hill responded to the criticism on social media, tweeting, “Would never disrespect the game and take a player out purposely… he knows that. that’s all that matters to me. praying for a speedy recovery.”

Decision Due Soon On Damian Jones

March 20th, 2021 at 6:47pm CST by Arthur Hill

The Lakers haven’t announced a decision yet on center Damian Jones, whose second 10-day contract expires today, tweets Jovan Buha of The Athletic. Players are limited to two 10-day deals with the same team in one season, so L.A. would have to sign Jones for the rest of the season to keep him on the roster. “No decision has been made on that,” coach Frank Vogel said, “but he’s played well and we’ll see where that goes.” Jones has started five of the seven games he has played for the Lakers and is averaging 5.6 points and 2.4 rebounds per night.