Lakers Rumors & News Recap: All the Buzz After the 2012 NBA Draft

Pau Gasol has recently been connected to Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith over rumors of a trade. But after last night’s draft, where no motion took place in exchange for draft picks, the deal looks dead. Other teams are looking at the forward, which will make it difficult for the Lakers to obtain this athletic player.

Qualifying offers have been extended to Devin Ebanks and Darius Morris, however, making them restricted free agents. All this means is that if another team makes an offer to Ebanks or Morris the Lakers have the right of first refusal, meaning they can match that offer. This is not a guarantee that either player will be back next year. This off-season could get interesting.

And what did the draft bring Los Angeles? The Los Angeles Lakers acquired the No. 55 pick Darius Johnson-Odom and No. 60 pick Robert Sacre in last night’s 2012 NBA Draft. Darius Johnson-Odom, who went to Marquette, averaged 18.3 points per game, 2.7 assists per game and 3.5 rebounds per game last year. Robert Sacre, from Gonzaga, is a 7’0” 260 lb center who averaged 11.6 points and 6.3 rebounds his senior season. Both players are not on the full time roster; they will have to train hard in summer league and be invited to training camp before they are considered part of the Lakers.

Lakers Nation News

Team Extends Qualifying Offers to Devin Ebanks, Darius Morris

Lakers Not Interested in Signing Brandon Roy

Metta World Peace Jokes About Trade Rumors on Twitter

Lakers Made “Several Attempts” To Get Into Top 10 of NBA Draft

Lakers Rumors: Jonny Flynn Interested in Signing with the Lakers

Timberwolves Interested in Acquiring Pau Gasol

Lamar Odom, Mo Williams Deal Not Yet Completed

Lakers Off-Season Expectations for Ramon Sessions and Steve Blake

Hawks Not Ready to Trade Josh Smith

Lakers News: Qualifying Offer Reportedly Made to Point Guard Darius Morris

Lakers News