Trade rumors were swirling in Los Angeles for the past few months with Pau Gasol, Jordan Hill, Steve Blake and Chris Kaman all rumored to be on the move before the NBA trade deadline. Although it seemed as though most of these four players would be dealt before the deadline, only Blake was sent packing with the Lakers agreeing to a deal with the Golden State Warriors.
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Apparently, Kaman might have been the closest to being traded on Thursday with the veteran center coming incredibly close to be dealt to the Philadelphia 76ers. Evan Turner would’ve been on his way to Los Angeles had the two sides agreed to a deal according to Jake Pavorsky of Liberty Ballers:
Sources confirm to Liberty Ballers that the Sixers and the Los Angeles Lakers were in discussions for the former 2nd overall pick, and were looking for a third team to help facilitate the deal. The Lakers would have acquired Turner and multiple second round picks. Philadelphia would have received Chris Kaman, an expiring contract.
There’s no question that GM Mitch Kupchak and company were trying to make moves on Thursday with numerous trade discussions with multiple teams. The Lakers reportedly were involved in trade talks with the Brooklyn Nets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Bobcats, New Orleans Pelicans and 76ers before ultimately standing pat.
The consensus after the trade deadline past was that the Lakers dropped the ball and were arguably among the most disappointing teams in terms of failing to make deals. Los Angeles may have gotten two potentially promising young players in MarShon Brooks and Kent Bazemore, but failed to bring in Turner and drafts picks that could’ve helped the rebuilding process.
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