The Los Angeles Lakers appear to be holding onto their young core as the NBA trade deadline approaches on Thursday. D’Angelo Russell, Brandon Ingram, and Julius Randle may not be available via trade unless Magic Johnson and company are blown away by a trade proposal for a proven superstar like Paul George of the Indiana Pacers.
In all likelihood, the Lakers, if they decide to make a deal before the trade deadline, will part ways with more veterans on the roster. It appears that Nick Young and Jose Calderon could be the players on the move if more trades are made, according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne:
As for the possibility of more trades from the Lakers before the deadline, sources say Johnson is far more likely to move a veteran such as Jose Calderon or Nick Young than anyone from L.A.’s young core.
On Wednesday, rumors began to swirl about the Lakers being in pursuit of George. Trade talks could still be ongoing with the Pacers with only hours left before the NBA trade deadline, but all signs point to a blockbuster trade to acquire the All-Star forward being unlikely, via Shelburne:
A trade for George, who grew up a huge Lakers fan in nearby Palmdale, California, is considered unlikely at this point. The initial conversation between Johnson and Bird, sources say, never got beyond pleasantries.
Some rumors have already been swirling around Young as the Lakers are reportedly looking for a second-round pick in exchange for the three-point specialist. A contending team looking for an extra shooter could potentially look towards the Lakers for Young.
Calderon would be more difficult to move than Young as he hasn’t seen nearly as much court time. His expiring contract could be worth something to a team looking to shed salary however.
