Lakers Rumors: L.A. Made Calls To ‘Gauge Interest’ On Young, Kelly

Corey Hansford
2 Min Read
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

With the Los Angeles Lakers set on acquiring LaMarcus Aldridge or DeAndre Jordan, recent rumors have said that the Lakers are looking to trades to clear out some cap space. The most logical players who could be dealt are Nick Young and Ryan Kelly as they are two of the only players under contract for next season along with Kobe Bryant and Julius Randle.

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As free agency nears even closer, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reports that the Lakers have made calls to gauge interest in Young and Kelly:

Shelburne also noted that the chances of moving one or both would be difficult as most teams are looking to do the same:

Clearing out the extra cap room could play a major factor in the team being able to add complimentary pieces if they are able to land one of their primary targets in Aldridge or Jordan. A maximum contract for either would start at $18.8 million, so clearing out Young and Kelly would leave the Lakers with around $11 million to add other pieces.

As Shelburne stated, however, many teams are currently trying to clear out more cap space for themselves so the Lakers may struggle getting someone to take one or both of those contracts without having to take something back.

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Corey Hansford is the Senior Editor for Lakers Nation, as well as a contributor for Dodger Blue, Rams News Wire, and Raiders News Wire. He is a passionate follower of the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chelsea FC, and the UFC. He can usually be seen arguing the merits of Kobe Bryant or cursing the decisions of Jerry Jones. He is also a former producer and associate producer for Sirius XM Sports Radio on both the Fantasy Sports Channel and College Sports Nation. Proud graduate of Long Beach Poly High School and The Real HU, Howard University, with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Follow him on all social media outlets at @TheeCoreyH.