It’s been a quiet week for the Lakers after a whirlwind finish to their 2012 post-season run. After multiple trade rumors were floated about following the team’s exit from the playoffs, things have started to tone down as the league prepares for the start of the NBA Finals.
One team that also finds itself participating in the off-season earlier than they had hoped is the Boston Celtics. After being eliminated by the Miami Heat in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Saturday, many are saying this is the end of the ‘big three’ era in Beantown. After the team acquired Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett in 2007, the Celtics have been an Eastern Conference powerhouse. But that may be coming to an end.
Boston is reportedly not interested in bringing Allen back next season, as his 2011-12 campaign was marred by multiple injuries. But that won’t stop another team from bringing in the league’s all-time leader in three-point baskets. And, according to Ian Thomsen of Sports Illustrated, there are already potential suitors lining up for Allen’s services.
Allen will turn 37 next month, and contenders like the Bulls, Lakers, Knicks and Grizzlies are thought to be interested in pursuing him this summer.
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The move makes sense for the Lakers when you consider their outside shooting woes from the last two seasons. When healthy, Allen is still one of the deadliest perimeter shooters in the league. But his health is a major concern right now. After nagging ankle problems gave him trouble throughout the season and playoffs, Allen has faced a variety of questions concerning his future. But Allen has made it clear he intends to return next season.
“There’s still a lot of basketball left in my legs, I know that for sure. So it’s hard to say what can happen, what may happen.”
The Lakers are a team that many feel needs to get younger and quicker, so a 37-year-old guard like Allen may not be the best move to make. But if they are able to bring him in at a decent price and as close to full health as possible, he could bring some hot shooting off the team bench, something they sorely lacked last season.