The past two days have been riddled with trade rumors as the instability of other teams and the LA Lakers have circulated buzz around what Mitch Kupchak plans to do next with the beloved franchise. Could this mean bringing in Philly’s own Andre Iguodala?
The guard would greatly help the Lakers in the small forward position, as the interest in Andre is still high after considering him in trade options last year. This year Iguodala averaged 12.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.5 assists in 62 games with the Sixers, all of which are higher averages than those of World Peace, Barnes or reserve small forward Devin Ebanks.
Rumors circulated earlier this week about a possible trade for Deron Williams of the Nets in exchange for Pau Gasol. Unfortunately, Gasol wasn’t a fit for New Jersey and the rumor has been squashed. Gasol was also on the back end of another rumor in the trade for Dwight Howard. However, Gasol’s career is dwindling, and as he gets older other teams are more interested in trading players for another Laker big man, Andrew Bynum. Bynum is a great player, but he has been the center of some L.A. controversy and has lost his status as a fan favorite. Maybe trading him for Howard isn’t such a bad idea? Dwight has the potential to revamp and enliven this Lakers team. The one thing to consider too is Howard’s herniated disk injury which could affect him and the team if it becomes a problem next season.
There is also the question of whether or not Matt Barnes will be resigned. All in all, his playoff performance was dismal and he lacked consistency. The other two players who’s contracts expired at the end of the season were Jordan Hill and Troy Murphy. Murphy is too old and didn’t do much with his “prove it” year, which should ultimately end his Laker career. Hill, who started off slow, showed much promise towards the end of the season and the playoffs. It should be anticipated that he will return next year. Ebanks will remain a restricted free agent, and the Lakers have the option to match any contract another team offers him. Curious about what other contracts could be affected? We give some insight into the outcomes of Bynum, Sessions, and World Peace here.
Lakers Nation News
Contract Situations that Must Be Addressed on the Off-Season
Mitch Kupchak Says Changes Will be Made
Will The Lakers Resign Matt Barnes?
Nets Don’t Want Pau Gasol for Deron Williams
L.A. Pursuing 76ers Guard Andre Iguodala
Magic Are Ready to Trade Dwight Howard, But Are Lakers?
Lakers News
Bryant and Bynum named to First and Second Teams, Respectively [Silver Screen and Roll]
Mike Brown Laughs off World Peace for Making Fun of Weight [LA Times]
Lakers Not Dead But Not One of the Best [ESPN]
There are No Easy Choices [Forum Blue and Gold]
Gotye Parody: The Kobe That We Used to Know [Pro Basketball Talk]
Jimmy Goldstein, Lakers Super Fan [GQ.com]
Odds Are Against the Lakers Reloading [OC Register]
How to Rebuild the Lakers [LA Times]
The Lakers Aren’t a True Contender Right Now [ESPN]
Which Lakers Earned Their Paycheck: Part Two [Silver Screen and Roll]
Let’s Fix the Lakers! [SB Nation]
Magic Johnson Says Lakers Need More Youth and Speed [LA Times]
NBA News
Clippers Interested in Resigning Young [OC Register]
Celtics Avery Could Have Surgery, Miss Playoffs [ESPN]
All NBA Teams Introduce the Dynamic Duo Era [SB Nation]
NBA Draft Sleepers [Yahoo Sports]
Lamar Odom in New York? Howard on the Move? [Ball Don’t Lie]
Knicks JR Smith Arrested in FL, South Beach [Yahoo Sports]
Dwayne Wade and The Heat Aren’t Going Away [SB Nation]
Shaq: No Interest in Magic GM Job [Hangtime Blog]
Clock Ticking for Clippers on Vinny Del Negro Option [ESPN]
Add Stan Van Gundy, Quinn Snyder to Bobcats Coach Search [Pro Basketball Talk]
