With the NBA trade deadline quickly approaching on Feb. 19, the Los Angeles Lakers have already been involved in numerous rumors. While Jordan Hill is out for at least two weeks due to injury, interest in the center will remain high.
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With the Lakers having the fourth worst record in the NBA as they take on the Orlando Magic on Friday, the team has reportedly been connected with Taj Gibson of the Chicago Bulls over the past few months according to Sporting News’ Sean Deveney:
Gibson has been connected to much of the league the past few months, from Los Angeles to Toronto to Phoenix to Detroit to Portland.
In recent weeks, he has not played with the energy for which he has been known, and there has been speculation that he is frustrated with the addition of Nikola Mirotic and Pau Gasol (though his playing time has not changed much).
Last season, the Lakers also inquired about Gibson’s availability, but the Bulls ultimately did not like the return. However, the situation has changed for both sides with the additions of Pau Gasol and Nikola Mirotic.
With the Lakers currently 13-36, the franchise is headed to the NBA lottery for the second consecutive season. However, Los Angeles will only keep this year’s pick if it lands in the top-five or else it will go to the Phoenix Suns, as a result of the Steve Nash trade.
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