This year’s NBA trade deadline was an incredibly eventful one with the biggest name moved being big man DeMarcus Cousins who was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans. Before agreeing to a deal with the Pelicans, however, the Kings had discussions with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Discussions between the Lakers and the Kings reportedly broke down at the Kings insistence on including prized rookie Brandon Ingram, but apparently, there was more to the offer. Additionally, it seems as if the drama between the Buss family also affected the deal.
According to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, the deal discussed with the Kings involved two of the Ingram, D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle trio, something that was never relayed to Jeanie Buss even though she asked to be involved:
“Jeanie Buss had previously instructed Kupchak and her brother that she was to be consulted if they discussed trades involving any of the Lakers’ three recent lottery picks. The only word she got of the Lakers discussions with the Kings –which involved two of those three lottery picks — came after Jim Buss called Jesse Buss and pressed him for a recommendation on an offer he said would quickly expire.”
It is not clear whether the Lakers offered two of their top prospects or whether the Kings asked for them, but ultimately the deal just didn’t happen. Shelburne also noted that the Lakers were hurt by only talking with the Kings over the phone, despite Magic Johnson being in New Orleans for All-Star Weekend, as Mitch Kupchak and Jim Buss handled everything themselves.
Regardless of everything that went into it, the Lakers ultimately didn’t make the deal. Whether or not that turns out to be the right move remains to be seen, but for now, they are committed to their young core. If another star becomes available, however, things could change.
