Lakers Rumors: Utah Keeping Raja Bell To Keep Away From Lakers?

Last week, there were rumblings about Lakers head coach Mike D’Antoni was interested in Utah Jazz swingman Raja Bell.

But, apparently, the Jazz don’t intend to do anything with Bell. Here’s Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld.

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Several sources believe the Jazz will keep Raja Bell simply so he doesn’t sign with the Lakers. Utah and L.A. will compete for playoff spot.

— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) February 25, 2013

 

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Nobody wants to help L.A. A lot of people are enjoying their struggles. It proves the rich don’t always get richer and super teams can fail.

— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) February 25, 2013

 

Raja Bell isn’t exactly a game-changer, especially at his age. He’s declined as a defender and, at his best, is a good spot-up shooter. But can his shooting actually make up for everything else he lacks these days? Especially since he hasn’t played this season.

If I were the Jazz, I would be begging for the Lakers to take Raja Bell off their hands.

I suppose he would get more open looks but, at this point, what the Lakers need is defense. If this was Raja Bell of seven or eight years ago, I would understand Utah’s stance at this.

I guess they don’t want to take a chance of Raja Bell suddenly having some sort of awakening in Los Angeles. Even though Bell is closer to 40 than 30.

The Lakers stood pat during the trading deadline, just as Mitch Kupchak said a few weeks ago.

Well, at least there won’t be a chance this happens in the Laker locker room.