The Lakers kept fans on their toes until the last minute of the NBA Trade Deadline. Reports stemming from yesterday indicated the team was looking at acquiring All-Star Paul George in a trade. However, once the dust settled the Pacers decided to hang onto their star forward and hope for the best.
Although the Lakers failed to land an All-Star like DeMarcus Cousins or Paul George, the team did what they needed to in order to better position themselves for the upcoming draft. The Lakers were able to trade Lou Williams for a draft pick that will likely fall in the mid-to-late 20s of the first round. The deal was a win-win for the Lakers as they netted the pick and now have extra minutes to provide to the young core.
The team will take an extended look at their young core in an effort to evaluate their talent. If the team keeps their 2017 pick, they will forfeit their 2018 pick to the Sixers, meaning the team must improve next season or risk losing a lottery selection.
If the Lakers believe they could miss out on George, it could make sense for them to trade some of their assets to acquire the All-Star before he hits free agency. There’s still about 16 months between now and July 2018. A lot can happen in-between.
Lakers Nation News
Pacers’ Paul George Addressing Lakers Rumors After NBA Trade Deadline Passes
Corey Brewer Speaks About What He Brings To The Lakers
Magic Johnson Puts In On-Court Work With Lakers Rookie Brandon Ingram
Lakers News: Magic Johnson Explains Team’s Logic For Lou Williams Trade
Lakers News: Luke Walton To Give “Bigger Opportunity” To Young Players
Lakers Rumors: Paul George ‘Hell Bent’ On Joining L.A. In 2018?
Lakers News: L.A. Acquires Houston Rockets Point Guard Tyler Ennis
Lakers News: D’Angelo Russell Forces Himself Not To Think He’s ‘Untouchable’
Lakers News: Brandon Ingram Appreciates L.A. Not Dealing Him For DeMarcus Cousins
Lakers News: Former GM Mitch Kupchak Releases Statement Following Firing
Lakers Rumors: Kobe Bryant Will Not Be Part Of Front-Office Regime
Magic Johnson And Rob Pelinka Set Lakers On A New Path
Lakers News
Sources: Magic talks trade with Bird for George – ESPN
Thursday’s Lakers News: Iguodala says Pelinka will improve Lakers – ESPN
Lakers don’t make a big move at NBA trade deadline as Paul George remains with Pacers – LA Times
Magic takes in Lakers; begins to leave his mark – LA Times
Pacers’ decision to keep Paul George looms large for Lakers, Celtics – USA Today
Why Lakers’ Jeanie Buss fired Jim Buss, Mitch Kupchak – USA Today
Lakers’ Magic Johnson showing patience all around – LA Daily News
Lakers acquire point guard Tyler Ennis from Rockets for Marcelo Huertas as NBA trade deadline passes – OC Register
Jeanie Buss apologizes to Lakers fans, explains why it took ‘too long’ to fire her brother – Fox Sports
NBA News
NBA Trade Deadline: How deals might change plans for 2017 NBA Draft – USA Today
Grading the deals: At the NBA trade deadline, a flurry of small-potatoes moves – Chicago Tribune
NBA trade deadline winners and losers: Lack of movement keeps Cavs, Warriors on top – Sporting News
NBA trade deadline: Winners and losers headlined by Pelicans, Celtics – CBS Sports
NBA Trades: The Stars Stay Put as Deadline Passes – NY Times
NBA Buyout Candidates: Targets For Contenders – Sports Illustrated
Why the Celtics stood pat, for now – ESPN
