<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-lakers-magic-named-possible-cj-mccollum-trade-suitors');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Lakers, Magic named possible CJ McCollum trade suitors');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Lakers-Magic-named-possible-CJ-McCollum-trade-suitors.jpg"><figcaption>ClutchPoints</figcaption></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Lakers, Magic named possible CJ McCollum trade suitors</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-20T12:49:11-08:00">December 20th, 12:49pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-20T12:49:11-08:00">December 20th, 12:49pm</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Los Angeles Lakers</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/latest-jimmy-butler-zach-lavine-nba-trade-rumors-siegels-scoop">New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly exploring trade opportunities</a> for several players amid a disappointing 5-23 start to the season. With injuries to Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram derailing their campaign, the Pelicans have been receptive to trade inquiries on all players except Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones, according to NBA Insider Brett Siegel. Among the potential trade candidates, veteran guard CJ McCollum has emerged as a strong option.</p><p>McCollum, 33, is in the second year of a two-year, $63.9 million deal, earning $33.3 million this season with $30.6 million slated for 2024-25. In 15 games this season, McCollum is averaging 20.9 points, 3.9 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 43.6% from the field and 32.5% from three-point range. Known for his scoring ability, McCollum is also regarded as a solid defender, adding to his appeal for teams looking for a two-way contributor.</p><p>The Los Angeles Lakers and Orlando Magic are two teams identified by Siegel as potential suitors for McCollum. The Lakers, with a 15-12 record, are active in trade discussions as they aim to strengthen their roster ahead of the February 6 trade deadline. They have <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-lakers-3-clear-needs-ahead-of-trade-deadline">prioritized three needs</a>: a defensive-minded center, a 3-and-D wing, and a guard with point-of-attack defensive capabilities. Although McCollum stands at 6’3” and is not a traditional defensive stopper, his ability to guard opposing guards effectively and his offensive versatility make him a logical fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.</p><h2><b>Lakers, Magic could emerge as top suitors for CJ McCollum ahead of trade deadline</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/CJ-McCollum-3-shoots-the-ball-while-Indiana-Pacers-center-Myles-Turner-33.jpg"><figcaption>© Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>To facilitate a trade, the Lakers would likely need to part with D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura to match McCollum’s salary. Russell is in the final year of a two-year, $18.6 million contract. Hachimura, meanwhile, is on a three-year, $51 million deal, making $17 million this season and $18.2 million in its final year during the 2025-26 season. A package involving these contracts would align with McCollum’s $33.3 million salary for this season.</p><p>The Orlando Magic, currently 17-12 and fourth in the Eastern Conference, are another team to watch in the McCollum sweepstakes. With <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/magic-news-orlando-players-who-must-step-up-after-franz-wagner-injury">Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner sidelined due to torn right obliques</a>, the Magic have lost three consecutive games and struggled offensively, <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/teams/traditional?dir=D&amp;sort=PTS" rel="noopener">ranking 28th</a> in the NBA in scoring with an average of 106.8 points per game. McCollum’s veteran leadership, defensive capabilities, and scoring would complement Orlando’s young core and address the team’s offensive struggles. Siegel suggests a potential trade package could include Cole Anthony, who is in the second year of a three-year, $39 million deal. Anthony, earning $12.9 million this season, is having a down year with averages of 5.1 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists but has shown significant upside in previous seasons.</p><p>As the trade deadline approaches, McCollum’s two-way skills and veteran experience make him a highly sought-after asset for teams like the Lakers and Magic, both of whom are eager to solidify their playoff aspirations.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Lakers, Magic named possible CJ McCollum trade suitors

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-lakers-jonas-valanciunas-backup-trade-options');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Lakers’ Jonas Valanciunas backup trade options');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/NBA-rumors-Lakers-Jonas-Valanciunas-backup-trade-options.jpg"></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Lakers’ Jonas Valanciunas backup trade options</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-20T06:32:28-08:00">December 20th, 6:32am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-20T06:32:28-08:00">December 20th, 6:32am</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Los Angeles Lakers</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Los Angeles Lakers are <a href="https://marcstein.substack.com/p/jake-fischer-latest-man-in-demand" rel="noopener">reportedly exploring</a> several backup trade options as they <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-lakers-3-clear-needs-ahead-of-trade-deadline">continue to pursue a deal for Jonas Valanciunas</a>, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line. Valanciunas, currently under a three-year, $30 million contract, has been linked to a potential trade with the Washington Wizards. The 32-year-old center is averaging 12 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game this season while shooting 55.8% from the field.</p><p>In the event a deal for Valanciunas does not materialize, Fischer reports that the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-lakers-wont-be-trade-mix-jimmy-butler-2-other-stars">Lakers remain interested in Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III</a>. Williams, in the third year of a four-year, $48 million contract, is averaging 9.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game while shooting an impressive 73.8% from the field. Despite his ongoing injury concerns, Williams’ defensive versatility and pick-and-roll potential have made him a key piece for Portland, and the team is reportedly hesitant to trade him.</p><p>Another <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-lakers-linked-walker-kessler-trade">target for the Lakers is Utah Jazz big man Walker Kessler</a>, who is posting averages of 11.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game while shooting 72.8% from the field. Kessler is in the third year of his rookie-scale contract, making him a cost-effective option at $2.9 million this season and $4.8 million next season. It remains unclear whether the Jazz are open to moving him.</p><h2><b>Lakers could explore multiple backup options to address frontcourt needs</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Anthony-Davis-3-reacts-in-the-first-half-against-the-Memphis-Grizzlies.jpg"><figcaption>© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Fischer also identified several additional names the Lakers could consider if other options fall through. Among them are Toronto Raptors forward Chris Boucher, Brooklyn Nets center Day’Ron Sharpe, Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards, and New Orleans Pelicans center Daniel Theis. Each player brings different strengths and contract situations that could align with the Lakers’ needs for added depth.</p><p>Separately, Fischer noted that the Sacramento Kings have made Trey Lyles and Kevin Huerter available for trade, though there has been no indication of specific Lakers interest in those players.</p><p>The Lakers are currently 14-12 on the season and preparing for a key matchup against the Sacramento Kings, who hold a 13-14 record. As the team seeks to strengthen its roster, addressing size and depth remains a priority in maintaining their competitiveness in the Western Conference.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Lakers’ Jonas Valanciunas backup trade options

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-lakers-trade-stance-rui-hachimura-among-vets-opens-eyes');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Lakers’ trade stance on Rui Hachimura among vets opens eyes');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/NBA-rumors-Lakers-trade-stance-on-Rui-Hachimura-among-vets-opens-eyes.jpg"><figcaption>LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Lakers, </figcaption></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Lakers’ trade stance on Rui Hachimura among vets opens eyes</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-18T12:57:39-08:00">December 18th, 12:57pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-18T18:01:42-08:00">December 18th, 6:01pm</time><address><a>Jackson Stone</a>Jackson Stone is a Mercer University senior from Atlanta on track to graduate with a BA in communications. A lifelong sports lover, Jackson is a die-hard fan of all Atlanta teams. He joined ClutchPoints in 2023.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Los Angeles Lakers</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>On Sunday evening, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-anthony-davis-jj-redick-reveal-lebron-james-fuel-win-grizzlies">Los Angeles Lakers picked up an impressive home win</a> over the Memphis Grizzlies in <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-how-jj-redick-will-manage-lebron-james-minutes-moving-forward">LeBron James’ return</a> to the lineup following two games away from the team. Still, despite having arguably their most complete performance of the season against a solid Memphis team, that hasn’t stopped trade rumors from swirling around the Lakers as of late.</p><p>The first quarter or so of this season has made it clear that the Lakers are still lacking in several key areas, including most notably perimeter two-way versatility, and recently, Jovan Buha of The Athletic broke down one name that he thinks <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2024/12/17/24323484/lakers-trade-rumors-rui-hachimura-jj-redick-cam-johnson-nets" rel="noopener">will be safe</a> from inevitable trade discussions.</p><p>“I think Rui [Hachimura] is viewed as a longer-term piece. I don’t think that means they would not trade him, but I think when you look at, there are four midsize salaries that the Lakers can trade between now and January 15,” said Buha on his YouTube channel, per Edwin Garcia of Silver Screen and Roll. “On January 15, Max Christie becomes available, so then it becomes five, but between now and January 15, the Lakers have four midsize salaries to trade. That’s Rui, D’Lo, Gabe [Vincent], and (Jarred Vanderbilt). I think among those four, the guy that they’d prefer to keep from that group would be Rui. That’s the guy that they view as the longest-term piece.”</p><p>Hachimura has been a consistent starter for the Lakers so far this year alongside LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, and whoever else JJ Redick decides is right for the matchup on that particular night.</p><h2><b>Will the Lakers make a big trade?</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/James-vs-Memphis.jpg"><figcaption>Kirby Lee-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The Lakers’ brass, led by Rob Pelinka and Jeanie Buss, have not made it very clear whether they are all in on maximizing this current core around James and Davis at the expense of younger players and future assets.</p><p>That was most recently demonstrated this past offseason when the Lakers opted to bring back essentially the exact same roster that was gentlemen’s swept in the first round by the Denver Nuggets last year.</p><p>Still, it’s not outside the realm of possibility to think that the Lakers could potentially move players like D’Angelo Russell or Max Christie in order to reshuffle things around, even if they aren’t in position to land one of the bigger names that figure to be on the trade market.</p><p>In any case, the Lakers will next take the floor on Thursday evening on the road vs the Sacramento Kings.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Lakers’ trade stance on Rui Hachimura among vets opens eyes

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-lakers-3-clear-needs-ahead-of-trade-deadline');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Lakers believe they have 3 clear needs ahead of trade deadline');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/NBA-rumors-Lakers-believe-they-have-3-clear-needs-ahead-of-trade-deadline.jpg"><figcaption>ClutchPoints</figcaption></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Lakers believe they have 3 clear needs ahead of trade deadline</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-17T12:12:30-08:00">December 17th, 12:12pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-17T12:12:30-08:00">December 17th, 12:12pm</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Los Angeles Lakers</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Los Angeles Lakers are zeroing in on three specific positional needs as they approach the February 6 trade deadline, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5995808/2024/12/17/lakers-trade-season-primer-nba/" rel="noopener">according</a> to Jovan Buha of The Athletic. With LeBron James in his 22nd NBA season and turning 40 this month, and Anthony Davis still anchoring the team on both ends of the floor, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-lakers-wont-be-trade-mix-jimmy-butler-2-other-stars">Lakers’ front office is under pressure to maximize the championship window</a> for the star duo.</p><p>The Lakers, who sit at 14-12 and hold the 10th seed in the Western Conference after a 116-110 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, have struggled to find consistency this season. While the team has made the playoffs the past two seasons, they were forced to go through the play-in tournament both times. In 2023, the Lakers reached the Western Conference Finals but fell short against the Denver Nuggets. In 2024, they exited in the first round, once again at the hands of the Nuggets.</p><p>Buha reports that the Lakers’ three identified needs are similar to last season: “a tough, physical, defensive-minded center,” “a big 3-and-D wing who complements Davis and James as a starter/closer,” and “a big, quick, athletic guard with point-of-attack defensive capabilities.” Addressing these areas could significantly bolster their roster as they look to regain their footing in the competitive Western Conference.</p><h2><b>Lakers eye Nets wings and big man options to address key roster needs</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Dorian-Finney-Smith-28-and-forward-Cameron-Johnson-2-in-the-first-half.jpg"><figcaption>© Jim Rassol-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Buha highlights a potential trade with the Brooklyn Nets as an ideal solution for the Lakers’ wing needs. Dorian Finney-Smith and Cameron Johnson have emerged as realistic trade candidates. Both players provide size, defensive versatility, and perimeter shooting — key elements for complementing James and Davis.</p><p>Finney-Smith is shooting a career-best 45% from beyond the arc this season, while Johnson is averaging a career-high 18.6 points per game on 43.3% shooting from three. Either player would immediately strengthen the Lakers’ lineup, offering the type of reliable 3-and-D presence the team has lacked.</p><p>At the center position, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-lakers-wont-be-trade-mix-jimmy-butler-2-other-stars">Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly exploring options</a> to pair alongside Davis, allowing him to roam defensively, or to serve as a reliable backup. Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz stands out as a strong candidate. The 23-year-old center is averaging 11.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game while shooting an efficient 72.8% from the field. Kessler’s defensive prowess and rebounding would provide the Lakers with a throwback to the formula that led them to the 2020 NBA championship.</p><p>Jonas Valanciunas of the Washington Wizards, however, remains a more realistic option. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-snoop-dogg-wants-la-to-make-changes">Frequently linked to the Lakers, Valanciunas</a> averages 12 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while shooting 55.8% from the field. The veteran big man also adds some floor spacing, shooting 30.8% from three last season and 34.9% the season prior.</p><h2><b>Defensive guard options emerge as urgency mounts to maximize title window</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Anthony-Davis-3-and-forward-LeBron-James-23-react-in-the-first-half.jpg"><figcaption>© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>For the guard position, the Lakers are expected to target players who can provide point-of-attack defense and versatility. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-lakers-failed-acquire-dejounte-murray-hawks-trade">Dejounte Murray, who was heavily linked to the Lakers last season</a>, remains a potential trade target. Murray has returned to action for the New Orleans Pelicans this season after suffering a fractured hand, appearing in 10 games and averaging 16.6 points, 6.8 assists, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game while shooting 36.4% from the field.</p><p>Other potential guard options mentioned by Buha include Utah’s Collin Sexton and Toronto’s Bruce Brown Jr. Another name to watch is Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball. After missing two full seasons due to knee issues, Ball has appeared in 10 games this season, showcasing flashes of his defensive capabilities and court vision.</p><p>The Lakers’ inconsistent start and narrow margin for error highlight the urgency for roster upgrades. With James approaching 40 and Davis in his prime, the team’s window to contend for a title is shrinking.</p><p>The front office, led by general manager Rob Pelinka, will face significant decisions in the coming weeks. Whether it involves acquiring a wing like Finney-Smith or Johnson, shoring up the center position with Kessler or Valanciunas, or making a splash for a guard like Murray, the Lakers appear determined to address their shortcomings.</p><p>As trade rumors intensify, the moves made — or not made — will determine whether the Los Angeles Lakers can capitalize on the closing years of the LeBron James and Anthony Davis era.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Lakers believe they have 3 clear needs ahead of trade deadline

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-lakers-wont-trade-lebron-james-bronny-james-anthony-davis');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Lakers won’t trade LeBron, Bronny James, Anthony Davis');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Lakers-wont-trade-LeBron-Bronny-James-Anthony-Davis.jpg"></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Lakers won’t trade LeBron, Bronny James, Anthony Davis</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-17T10:59:02-08:00">December 17th, 10:59am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-17T10:59:02-08:00">December 17th, 10:59am</time><address><a>Jackson Stone</a>Jackson Stone is a Mercer University senior from Atlanta on track to graduate with a BA in communications. A lifelong sports lover, Jackson is a die-hard fan of all Atlanta teams. He joined ClutchPoints in 2023.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Los Angeles Lakers</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>On Sunday evening, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-is-lebron-james-playing-grizzlies-latest-injury-update">LeBron James returned</a> to the lineup after an extended absence and played <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-anthony-davis-jj-redick-reveal-lebron-james-fuel-win-grizzlies">well in the Los Angeles Lakers’ impressive home win</a> over the Memphis Grizzlies. Memphis came into the game as winners of 11 out of their last 12 games, but looked like no match for a Lakers squad that is finally starting to get healthy again.</p><p>Despite the impressive performance, the Lakers are still expected to be active on this year’s trade market in hopes of improving their roster, and recently, Jovan Buha of The Athletic shed some light on the few players who will <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5995808/2024/12/17/lakers-trade-season-primer-nba/?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=nbatw&amp;source=nbatw" rel="noopener">likely be safe</a> from those talks at this year’s deadline.</p><p>“Two players who almost certainly won’t be traded, barring them asking out of Los Angeles, are Davis ($43.2 million) and James ($48.7 million),” reported Buha.</p><p>James of course has a no-trade clause in his contract which he would have to waive in order to be moved in the first place. However, the team has given no indication that they plan to move on from the James-Davis era anytime soon, per Buha.</p><p>“Despite the recent groundswell from certain media and fans to blow up the roster, the Lakers are not currently considering trading either superstar, according to team and league sources. They want to bolster their supporting cast and continue building around Davis and James,” reported Buha.</p><p>There’s also another name that will likely be safe from those talks.</p><p>“Bronny James ($1.2 million) would not be included in a trade that doesn’t include LeBron, team and league sources told <i>The Athletic</i>,” added Buha.</p><h2><b>Can the Lakers make a significant move?</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/James-vs-the-Grizzlies.jpg"><figcaption>Kirby Lee-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Over the last couple of offseasons, Rob Pelinka and company haven’t given much indication that they are fully all-in on maximizing their roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis at the expense of future draft capital.</p><p>They indicated as much this past offseason by bringing back virtually the exact same roster that was eliminated in five games by the Denver Nuggets in last year’s first round.</p><p>Still, there could be some trades that would potentially help the Lakers on the margins, including perhaps some more defensive prowess to help out Anthony Davis on that side of the court.</p><p>In any case, the Lakers will next take the floor on Thursday evening for the first of a two-game set vs the Sacramento Kings on the road. That game is slated to tip off at 10:00 PM ET.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Lakers won’t trade LeBron, Bronny James, Anthony Davis

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-lakers-wont-be-trade-mix-jimmy-butler-2-other-stars');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Lakers won’t be in trade mix for Jimmy Butler, 2 other stars');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Lakers-wont-be-in-trade-mix-for-Jimmy-Butler-2-other-stars.jpg"></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Lakers won’t be in trade mix for Jimmy Butler, 2 other stars</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-17T10:32:27-08:00">December 17th, 10:32am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-17T10:32:27-08:00">December 17th, 10:32am</time><address><a>Jackson Stone</a>Jackson Stone is a Mercer University senior from Atlanta on track to graduate with a BA in communications. A lifelong sports lover, Jackson is a die-hard fan of all Atlanta teams. He joined ClutchPoints in 2023.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Los Angeles Lakers</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>On Sunday evening,<a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-is-lebron-james-playing-grizzlies-latest-injury-update"> LeBron James returned to the lineup</a> after a week-plus long absence and performed well in the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-anthony-davis-jj-redick-reveal-lebron-james-fuel-win-grizzlies">Los Angeles Lakers’ dominant win</a> over the Memphis Grizzlies at home. All things considered, it may have been the most impressive game of the season to date for the Lakers, considering how hot the Grizzlies were coming into the game.</p><p>Still, that hasn’t stopped there from being rampant trade speculation surrounding Los Angeles as they look to maximize however much greatness LeBron James still has left in the tank.</p><p>Recently, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5995808/2024/12/17/lakers-trade-season-primer-nba/?utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=nbatw&amp;source=nbatw" rel="noopener">more light was shed</a> on the Lakers’ thoughts regarding the trade market by Jovan Buha of The Athletic.</p><p>“The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to be one of the more active buyers leading into the Feb. 6 trade deadline,” reported Buha.</p><p>However, some of the more marquee names that figure to be on the market will likely not be candidates for Los Angeles.</p><p>“The Lakers are not anticipated to be heavily in the mix for Miami’s Jimmy Butler, New Orleans’ Brandon Ingram or Chicago’s Zach LaVine,” reported Buha.</p><p>However, there were some names mentioned in the report that do seem to be more realistic targets for the Lakers.</p><p>“Other names that have come up in talks with team and league personnel over the past few weeks include Utah’s Walker Kessler and Collin Sexton, Toronto’s Bruce Brown Jr., Portland’s Jerami Grant and Robert Williams III and Washington’s Kyle Kuzma,” reported Buha.</p><h2><b>How much can the Lakers improve?</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/James-vs-the-Grizzlies.jpg"><figcaption>Kirby Lee-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>At the current juncture, the Lakers profile as a team with a good amount of offensive talent but without much to offer on defense outside of Anthony Davis.</p><p>Head coach JJ Redick has attempted to address this issue by removing D’Angelo Russell from the starting lineup in an effort to avert the defensive disaster that was a Russell-Austin Reaves backcourt, but that still hasn’t stopped Los Angeles from cratering to the bottom third of the league in defensive rating thus far this season.</p><p>This being the case, names like Kessler or Grant might make more sense for Los Angeles, as those players are more defensive-minded than some of the other players mentioned in the report.</p><p>However, it’s still unclear just how committed Rob Pelinka and company truly are to maximizing this current roster at the expense of future assets.</p><p>In any case, the Lakers will next take the floor on Thursday evening on the road vs the Sacramento Kings.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Lakers won’t be in trade mix for Jimmy Butler, 2 other stars

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-warriors-lakers-among-teams-nikola-vucevic-trade-interest');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Warriors, Lakers among teams with Nikola Vucevic trade interest');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/0Warriors-Lakers-among-teams-with-Nikola-Vucevic-trade-interest0.jpg"></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Warriors, Lakers among teams with Nikola Vucevic trade interest</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-13T12:08:59-08:00">December 13th, 12:08pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-14T14:58:23-08:00">December 14th, 2:58pm</time><address><a>Malik Brown</a>Malik Brown is a multimedia reporter based in Atlanta who covers the Hawks and Dream for ClutchPoints. Malik has worked in entertainment and sports, and he specializes in the NBA and NFL.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Golden State Warriors</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>With players being able to get traded soon, the Chicago Bulls have emerged as a team that could be sellers this season. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-news-bulls-thunder-alex-caruso-josh-giddey-trade">After trading Alex Caruso</a> and DeMar DeRozan during the offseason, they’ve shown a commitment to go and start rebuilding their team, and there are <a href="https://x.com/rayalmeda/status/1867641685091790900" rel="noopener">two players that they’re looking to move</a>, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.</p><p>“The Chicago Bulls are open to all offers that come their way for Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic, sources said. With both former All-Stars healthy, Chicago has received calls about both players, yet nothing is imminent or progressing at this time,” Siegel wrote. “Vucevic is the more likely of the two players to be moved ahead of the trade deadline due to his production and significantly smaller contract than that of LaVine. Still, the Bulls believe both players can be moved for draft compensation in the next several weeks.</p><p>“As for teams that could potentially target one of the Bulls’ two veteran stars, very few organizations can trade for LaVine because of his contract. LaVine is in the third year of his $215.1 million max contract and is making $43 million this season. The Pistons previously showed interest in LaVine over the offseason, but it is not expected that these talks will reignite. Vucevic, on the other hand, is drawing interest from the Warriors, Lakers, Pelicans, and Pistons, sources said. Several other teams may very well emerge as suitors for Vucevic ahead of the trade deadline given his production and experience.”</p><p>Vucevic is making $20 million per year, so his contract is a great and easy one to move, unlike LaVine’s.</p><h2><b>Who will trade for Nikola Vucevic?</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Nikola-Vucevic.jpg"><figcaption>Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The Lakers have been a team looking for help in the frontcourt alongside Anthony Davis. Christian Wood and Jaxson Hayes are injured, and Christian Koloko is the only viable option they have right now at center when Davis goes to the bench. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-lakers-ready-trade-for-jonas-valanciunas-asap">Jonas Valanciunas has been on the Lakers’ radar</a> for a while now, and if they’re not able to get him, Vucevic seems to be their next option.</p><p>For the Warriors, it gets interesting because they already have a frontcourt rotation of Kevon Looney and Trayce Jackson-Davis, but neither of those players can stretch the floor like Vucevic. Draymond Green can do so, but Vucevic is a better shooter and is bigger at the position. The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/jimmy-butler-warriors-rumors-latest-trade-block-intel-siegels-scoop">Warriors have been in trade talks</a> for a third star since Klay Thompson left, so it’s not a surprise to see them looking to improve their roster.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Warriors, Lakers among teams with Nikola Vucevic trade interest

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-lakers-discussing-possibility-signing-former-no-1-pick');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Lakers discussing possibility of signing former No. 1 pick');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/NBA-rumors-Lakers-discussing-possibility-of-signing-former-No.-1-pick.jpg"></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Lakers discussing possibility of signing former No. 1 pick</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-13T07:13:34-08:00">December 13th, 7:13am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-13T07:13:34-08:00">December 13th, 7:13am</time><address><a href="https://medium.com/bingeable">Sonny Giuliano</a>Sonny Giuliano is an experienced sports writer for ClutchPoints who has been covering the NFL, NCAA Football, NBA, and NCAA Basketball for well over a decade. Originally from the small town of Elba, New York, Sonny received his degree from Florida Gulf Coast University and currently resides in Cleveland, Ohio.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Los Angeles Lakers</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Over the opening month of the 2024-25 NBA season, it looked like <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-jj-redick-hired-head-coach-after-dan-hurley-fiasco">first-year head coach JJ Redick</a> had the Los Angeles Lakers on the fast-track to contention in the loaded Western Conference. The once clunky offense was humming, Anthony Davis was dominating, and <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-lebron-james-mocks-father-time-poster-dunk">LeBron James was continuing to keep Father Time at bay</a>. However, a 10-4 start to the season has since given way to a 3-7 stretch that raises a question that has become all-too-familiar in Hollywood… what do the Lakers do now?</p><p>As usual, the response to this question involves the Lakers front office deciding that it’s time to shake things up with a roster that has been overturned countless times over the last half-decade. Whether that means trading for a big man (Jonas Valanciunas), a big-ish star (Zach LaVine) or a handful of possible rotation pieces (Cam Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith), I have no idea, but right now, it seems as if all options <i>could </i>be on the table.</p><p>However, the Lakers could decide against doing anything that would be deemed drastic, and instead go the route of signing a free agent who could provide an instant boost to LA’s rotation. In fact, ClutchPoints’ Anthony Irwin recently reported that the Lakers have been <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/charting-out-lakers-most-realistic-productive-path-trade-season" rel="noopener">weighing the idea</a> of adding Markelle Fultz.</p><p>“Per sources, the Lakers have had internal conversations about Fultz, the former first-overall pick who hasn’t lived up to his draft position but was solid last season playing for the Orlando Magic,” Irwin writes.</p><p>Markelle Fultz played only 33 games in Philadelphia after the 76ers selected him with the 1st overall pick in 2017 NBA Draft, but since then, he’s proven to be a serviceable rotation guard in 201 games with the Orlando Magic. During his five seasons with Orlando, Fultz has averaged 11.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game in just 26 minutes of action a night. He would immediately step in as the best defender in LA’s backcourt, which has been <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/42933812/the-three-biggest-reasons-lebron-los-angeles-lakers-flailing-west" rel="noopener">an area of concern</a> all season long.</p><p>It should go without saying though that a hypothetical addition of Fultz doesn’t necessarily move the needle drastically in the opposite direction and propel LA back into the upper-echelon of title contenders. With that said, it would potentially be a step in the right direction for a team that has been taken multiple steps backwards over the last three weeks.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Lakers discussing possibility of signing former No. 1 pick

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-lakers-ready-trade-for-jonas-valanciunas-asap');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Lakers ready to trade for Jonas Valanciunas ASAP');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/NBA-rumors-Lakers-ready-to-trade-for-Jonas-Valanciunas-ASAP.jpg"></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Lakers ready to trade for Jonas Valanciunas ASAP</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-13T06:52:14-08:00">December 13th, 6:52am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-13T06:52:14-08:00">December 13th, 6:52am</time><address><a>Malik Brown</a>Malik Brown is a multimedia reporter based in Atlanta who covers the Hawks and Dream for ClutchPoints. Malik has worked in entertainment and sports, and he specializes in the NBA and NFL.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Los Angeles Lakers</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Los Angeles <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-lakers-potential-jonas-valanciunas-trade-offer-comes-light">Lakers have been mentioned in trade rumors</a> since the beginning of the season, and they’ve stayed consistent with the same name. Jonas Valanciunas is a target that the Lakers have been looking at since free agency, but he ultimately signed with the Washington Wizards.</p><p>With the Lakers needing help in the frontcourt and the Wizards looking to go to a youth movement, it only makes sense that Valanciunas could be traded, and it seems like LA is trying to <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/charting-out-lakers-most-realistic-productive-path-trade-season" rel="noopener">do it as soon as possible</a>, according to Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints.</p><p>“According to those I’ve spoken to with knowledge of the situation, Washington and L.A. have already held preliminary talks about a Valanciunas deal, and the expectation is for those talks to ramp up once he can be traded,” Irwin said. The expectation is for the Lakers to offer Vincent and second-round pick compensation to the Wizards. They may also attach one of their veteran minimum contracts (Christian Wood, Cam Reddish, or Jaxson Hayes) in the deal to give themselves more room under the second apron and to open a roster spot.</p><p>“If multiple second-round picks seem expensive for Valanciunas, given the role he’d play and his three-year contract, consider it the price of getting Washington to make this move now rather than wait to see if some team gets even more desperate later in the year. The Lakers can wait to see if that price drops.”</p><p>The Lakers don’t have that many valuable players, but if they’re able to get Valanciunas for just Gabe Vincent, that’s a good deal for them.</p><h2>Jonas Valanciunas can improve Lakers’ frontcourt</h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Jonas-Valanciunas_4b7de1.jpg"><figcaption>Geoff Burke-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The Lakers have had trouble with their frontcourt this season outside of Anthony Davis. Christian Wood and Jared Vanderbilt have still not played a minute, and <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-jaxson-hayes-worrisome-injury-update-jj-redick">Jaxson Hayes was recently injured</a>. That leaves Christian Koloko, who hasn’t seen many minutes on the floor and isn’t that effective.</p><p>Jonas Valanciunas can help the Lakers in multiple ways, and he can be the center they need to move Davis to the four, where he can be more effective than he is now. Not only is Valanciunas a big body that can get physical in the paint, but he can stretch the floor and shoot from the perimeter if needed.</p><p>That’s definitely something the Lakers are looking for, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if they made the trade as soon as they can.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Lakers ready to trade for Jonas Valanciunas ASAP

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-brian-windhorst-reveals-conversations-lebron-james-trade-status');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Brian Windhorst reveals ‘conversations’ wondering about LeBron James’ trade status');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/NBA-rumors-Brian-Windhorst-reveals-conversations-wondering-about-LeBron-James-trade-status.jpg"></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Brian Windhorst reveals ‘conversations’ wondering about LeBron James’ trade status</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-09T07:50:49-08:00">December 9th, 7:50am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-09T07:50:49-08:00">December 9th, 7:50am</time><address><a>Malik Brown</a>Malik Brown is a multimedia reporter based in Atlanta who covers the Hawks and Dream for ClutchPoints. Malik has worked in entertainment and sports, and he specializes in the NBA and NFL.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Los Angeles Lakers</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>With the Los Angeles <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-lebron-james-optimistic-outlook-after-crushing-loss-vs-hawks">Lakers currently in a slump</a>, it wouldn’t be trade rumor time if LeBron James wasn’t in them. With James still playing basketball at a high level and still having a desire to win, many think that the Lakers’ forward would want to <a href="https://lebronwire-eu.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/lebron/2024/12/09/windhorst-some-nba-teams-wonder-if-lebron-james-is-open-to-a-trade/76857646007/" rel="noopener">move on from the team</a> and go somewhere that could help him achieve his goals, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.</p><p>“I would be lying if I said that there haven’t been some conversations in the league (about), ‘Would LeBron at some point this year revisit that?’” Windhorst said. “Because you remember last year at the trade deadline, the Warriors called.”</p><p>The Warriors did indeed call last season to see if there was any chance that James would want to get traded. He decided to stay with the Lakers, and since then, the Lakers have been kicked out of the first round of the playoffs, Darvin Ham was fired, JJ Redick was hired, and the team is stuck in limbo this season.</p><p>“Twice in the last 10 months, LeBron has had an opportunity to leave the Lakers,” Windhorst said. “One, at the trade deadline last year when the Warriors called. The Lakers went to LeBron and said, ‘Do you seriously wanna get traded?’ He said, ‘No.’ Last summer he became a free agent. He re-signed with the Lakers.</p><p>“LeBron has repeatedly made it clear he wants to be a Laker. And if that’s the case, he’s got a no-trade clause. There’s nothin’ really to talk about.”</p><h2>Will LeBron James be traded?</h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/LeBron-James_ffed93.jpg"><figcaption>Brett Davis-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>There’s a very good chance that LeBron James will not get traded, and there are a few factors leading to that decision. One, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/should-lakers-warriors-revisit-lebron-james-trade-discussions">James does have a no-trade clause</a>, which means he’s ultimately allowed to choose what team he wants to go to. Luckily for him, the Lakers and his agent, Rich Paul, shut down any idea of him being traded to the Warriors last season when they were interested, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.</p><p>Another thing to consider with James is that he’s always talked about the desire to play with Bronny, and now he actually has that opportunity. It’s not certain if he’d be willing to go to another team to sacrifice this year playing with his son. If anything, he may want to wait until next season to make a decision like that, but who knows if he’ll still be in the league then.</p><p>As of now, James getting traded seems unlikely, but crazier things have happened.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Brian Windhorst reveals ‘conversations’ wondering about LeBron James’ trade status

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-kobe-bryant-almost-tossed-lakers-to-curb-for-knicks');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Kobe Bryant almost tossed Lakers to curb for Knicks');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Kobe-Bryant-almost-tossed-Lakers-to-curb-for-Knicks.jpg"></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Kobe Bryant almost tossed Lakers to curb for Knicks</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-05T11:16:56-08:00">December 5th, 11:16am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-05T11:16:56-08:00">December 5th, 11:16am</time><address><a>Ryan Bologna</a>Ryan Bologna is an author at ClutchPoints. He studied journalism and communication at UConn.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Los Angeles Lakers</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Former ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski recently appeared on Carmelo Anthony’s podcast, 7PM in Brooklyn, and he revealed that Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant once thought he <a href="https://twitter.com/7PMinBrooklyn/status/1864731466913153197" rel="noopener">would end up playing</a> for the New York Knicks.</p><p>“It’s funny Kobe always though, he was convinced he was going to end up with the Knicks,” Wojnarowski said on 7PM in Brooklyn. “He goes, ‘they’re gonna amnesty me, and no one’s gonna claim me on waivers, and I’m gonna go sign with the Knicks.’ I said like, ‘they’re not gonna amnesty you.’ I said,  ‘they’ll burn this city down.’ He loved the Lakers and he only ever really wanted to be there. He would fantasize about the garden.”</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Warning Knicks fans: Kobe ALMOST came to New York 💔 <a href="https://t.co/L6g0QuZwbe">pic.twitter.com/L6g0QuZwbe</a></p><p>— 7PM in Brooklyn (@7PMinBrooklyn) <a href="https://twitter.com/7PMinBrooklyn/status/1864731466913153197?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2024</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>There are several stories that have surfaced regarding Bryant possibly leaving the Lakers. Obviously, that never happened. He remained a Laker for his entire career, and the thought that he would get amnestied never came true. Even though he fantasized about Madison Square Garden, he never ended up playing <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/knicks-news-miles-mcbride-reflects-on-new-york-fans-serenading-him-with-unique-chant">for the Knicks</a>.</p><h2><b>Kobe Bryant defended Carmelo Anthony with Knicks</b></h2><p>When Phil Jackson took over with the Knicks, him and Anthony did not get along very well, and during that time, Bryant defended Anthony. Wojnarowski and Anthony spoke on what Bryant would say during the podcast.</p><p>“He loved this guy (Carmelo Anthony),” Wojnarowski said. “I remember standing with him at the Staples Center. I would always talk to him kind of on the way to his car. He was defending you. He was like, ‘I told Melo stop apologizing. Play the way you play, stop apologizing.’ It was right in the middle of the Phil stuff.”</p><p>Anthony recounted what Bryant would say to him regarding Jackson, saying that he should play the way he is meant to play.</p><p>“He told me, ‘why the f*** you keep apologizing? F*** that Mother******. Stop apologizing,'” Anthony said. “You know what, yeah Phil you right my bad, I apologize. He like, ‘Mother****** why you keep apologizing? Stop taking all these shots.’ I said, ‘shooters shoot.’ He said, ‘No mother****** stop taking all them bullets.'”</p><p>Of course, Jackson coached Bryant with the Lakers. It is notable given the history he had with Jackson that Bryant would defend Anthony. Jackson’s tenure with the Knicks did not end well. Eventually, the franchise moved on and now it is much more successful with Leon Rose running things.</p><p>Regardless, it would have been interesting to see Bryant and Anthony play together <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/knicks-young-player-who-deserves-more-minutes-tyler-kolek">with the Knicks</a>.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Kobe Bryant almost tossed Lakers to curb for Knicks

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-lakers-potential-jonas-valanciunas-trade-offer-comes-light');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Lakers’ potential Jonas Valanciunas trade offer comes to light');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Lakers-potential-Jonas-Valanciunas-trade-offer-comes-to-light.jpg"></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Lakers’ potential Jonas Valanciunas trade offer comes to light</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-02T08:14:22-08:00">December 2nd, 8:14am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-03T12:48:56-08:00">December 3rd, 12:48pm</time><address><a>Malik Brown</a>Malik Brown is a multimedia reporter based in Atlanta who covers the Hawks and Dream for ClutchPoints. Malik has worked in entertainment and sports, and he specializes in the NBA and NFL.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Los Angeles Lakers</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Los Angeles <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-trade-paul-george-76ers-blow-it-up">Lakers continue to be in trade rumors</a> as the season progresses, and all the signs point to them being interested in improving their frontcourt. There have been several players linked to the Lakers, but the one that has stayed the most consistent is Jonas Valanciunas. With the Lakers having players such as Gabe Vincent, who could be used as trade bait, there’s a possibility he <a href="https://hoopshype.com/lists/top-nba-trade-candidates-for-the-2024-25-season/" rel="noopener">can be used in a trade</a> to get the Washington Wizards center, according to HoopsHype.</p><p>“Keep an eye on Los Angeles potentially dangling Vincent and future second-round picks to try and land Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas, a coveted Lakers target,” HoopsHype reported.</p><p>Valanciunas has been a solid reserve player for the Wizards this season, and he’s been able to mentor Alex Sarr in his first year in the league. On the court, Valanciunas is put in the game to handle bigger matchups for the Wizards, and his inside-out game opens up the floor for the team.</p><p>At the same time, Valanciunas is at the point of his career where he can help a contender, and that’s why the Lakers have been linked to him ever since free agency when they tried to sign him. If Vincent and some second-round picks can get him, the Lakers shouldn’t hesitate.</p><h2>Lakers looking to upgrade frontcourt depth</h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Jonas-Valanciunas.jpg"><figcaption>Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-jaxson-hayes-brutal-injury-blow">Lakers have been dealing with injuries</a> to their center position all season, and with Jaxson Hayes supposed to be out for the next few weeks, they’re going to need to find some help. Anthony Davis has been holding down the fort and has been playing some of the best basketball in the league, but he can’t do it all by himself. Christian Koloko is the only available and healthy center right now, but he doesn’t get many minutes as is.</p><p>Christian Wood has not stepped on the floor this season as he’s still recovering from an injury, and Jared Vanderbilt hasn’t played either. Despite the injuries, the Lakers are still 12-8 and currently sixth in the Western Conference. Davis playing at a high level and LeBron James continuing to dominate in multiple ways has helped the Lakers stay afloat this season.</p><p>Another player who has played well is rookie Dalton Knecht, and he’s made his way into the starting lineup for the Lakers due to his ability to shoot the ball. If the Lakers could add another frontcourt piece to the team, they should be in good shape as the season continues.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Lakers’ potential Jonas Valanciunas trade offer comes to light

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-phil-jackson-expected-lakers-statue-after-pat-riley');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Phil Jackson expected to get Lakers statue after Pat Riley');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/NBA-rumors-Phil-Jackson-expected-to-get-Lakers-statue-after-Pat-Riley.jpg"></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Phil Jackson expected to get Lakers statue after Pat Riley</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-02T00:37:05-08:00">December 2nd, 12:37am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-03T12:50:49-08:00">December 3rd, 12:50pm</time><address><a>Michael Aaron Gomez</a>Michael Aaron Gomez is a creative writer and longtime NBA fan. He has been a fan of the Lakers since the three-peat but believes LeBron James is the greatest player of all time.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Los Angeles Lakers</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/heat-news-pat-riley-has-mind-blowing-reaction-after-lakers-statue-announcement">Lakers just announced a statue for Pat Riley</a>, the architect of the generational “Showtime Lakers” dynasty that won five championships in the 1980s under Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Likewise, their fast-paced and flamboyant style along with the Lakers and Magic’s rivalry with the Celtics and Larry Bird rescued the NBA from the ratings basement of the 1970s, laying the foundation for the global stardom of Michael Jordan. Meanwhile, Riley getting a statue might also mean that the Purple and Gold could build another statue for another of their great coaches: Phil Jackson.</p><p>“The Lakers’ <a href="https://marcstein.substack.com/p/sunday-best-all-my-latest-trade-talk?utm_source=post-email-title&amp;publication_id=392205&amp;post_id=152376939&amp;utm_campaign=email-post-title&amp;isFreemail=false&amp;r=39f60&amp;triedRedirect=true&amp;utm_medium=email" rel="noopener">recent announcement</a> that they have begun work on a statue for Pat Riley to be erected outside Crypto.com Arena is believed to be a prelude to an eventual announcement about a statue for Phil Jackson,” per a report from Marc Stein for The Stein Line.</p><h2><b>Lakers honoring their great coaches</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Phil-Jackson-at-the-unveiling-of-Kobe-Bryants-statue.jpg"><figcaption>© Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Both Phil Jackson and Pat Riley have led LA to five titles each, in two separate decades–Riley in the 80s and Jackson in the 2000s. However, Jackson has won the most championships in NBA history, with 11, thanks to winning six rings with MJ and the Chicago Bulls in the 1990s.</p><p>Then, Jackson became the final piece to fulfill the tremendous potential of the Shaq and Kobe pairing, guiding the duo to three straight championships from 2000 to 2002.</p><p>After <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-shaquille-oneal-sets-record-straight-kobe-bryant-feud">Shaq and Kobe broke up</a>, the old coach retired, but then returned to coach Kobe again in 2005. The process was slower this time, which involved a bitter Finals loss to the Celtics in 2008, but the Lakers eventually closed the decade just as they had opened it, with back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010.</p><p>Moreover, during Jackson’s second tenure, Kobe finally overcame the narrative of Shaq carrying him to championships, as he had won five rings in all, one more than Shaq, who was on his last legs by 2010 anyway.</p><h2><b>Winning cultures</b></h2><p>Anyway, Riley is the first to a statue, and <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-jj-redick-hired-head-coach-after-dan-hurley-fiasco">new Lakers coach JJ Redick</a> made a comment on his team’s statue announcement for the current President of the Miami Heat.</p><p>Interestingly, Redick is a rookie coach, like Riley when he became Lakers head coach, though time will tell if he wins a championship in his first season like Riles did.</p><p>“Deserved,” Redick said, via ESPN. “He’s <a href="https://www.espn.ph/nba/story/_/id/42469818/lakers-honor-ex-coach-pat-riley-statue-arena" rel="noopener">a legend in the game of basketball</a>. And obviously did a lot for this franchise… So I’m very happy for him. Well deserved.”</p><p>After winning five titles with the Lakers, Riley coached the 1990s Knicks to deep playoff runs only to run into the juggernaut that was the Chicago Bulls.</p><p>However, he won another championship as a coach with the Heat in 2006, with Shaq and Dwyane Wade, and then back-to-back titles as team president in 2012-2013, with the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/heat-news-pat-riley-real-on-lebron-james-dwyane-wade-chris-bosh-breaking-up">Big Three of LeBron James, Wade, and Chris Bosh.</a></p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Phil Jackson expected to get Lakers statue after Pat Riley

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/bulls-news-zach-lavines-7-word-response-to-fan-heckling-about-lakers-trade-rumors');   ga('set', 'title', 'Bulls guard Zach LaVine’s 7-word response to fan heckling about Lakers trade rumors');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Bulls-news-Zach-LaVines-7word-response-to-fan-heckling-about-Lakers-trade-rumors.jpg"></figure><h1>Bulls guard Zach LaVine’s 7-word response to fan heckling about Lakers trade rumors</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-11-28T06:58:07-08:00">November 28th, 6:58am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-11-28T15:05:34-08:00">November 28th, 3:05pm</time><address><a href="https://letterboxd.com/splooshpuhrty/films/by/your-rating/">Jedd Pagaduan</a>Jedd Pagaduan is a certified Clippers and Gunners fan, which means he's a very sports-traumatized individual. He now writes about sports instead as a form of therapy.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Chicago Bulls</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>On Tuesday night, Zach LaVine and the Chicago Bulls took a dominant 127-109 win over the hapless Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. LaVine took a bit of a backseat on the night, finishing with just 18 points, but the Wizards fans in attendance still deemed it fit to rattle arguably the Bulls’ best player however they can.</p><p>In the middle of that game, the subject of LaVine potentially being traded was breached by a fan sitting courtside — with the fan hounding the Bulls star with questions <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-lakers-zach-lavine-trade-possibility-gets-eye-opening-update">regarding a potential trade</a>, perhaps to the Los Angeles Lakers.</p><p>LaVine, however, appears to have heard these questions plenty of times, as he had a quick response ready to be deployed. The Bulls star answered the fan with no hesitation, saying that he is <a href="https://x.com/chisportsross/status/1861847461318287795" rel="noopener">well and truly content</a> with his current situation in the Windy City.</p><p>“I signed here, brother. I love Chicago,” LaVine said as he made his way down the other end of the court, via Ross Pins of Swish Theory.</p><p>Indeed, LaVine wouldn’t commit a considerable portion of his future to the Bulls franchise if he didn’t have an affinity for the city of Chicago. Back in 2022, LaVine signed a five-year, $215 million deal to stick around long term with the Bulls, although his contract does have a player option for the 2026-27 season.</p><p>Alas, the Bulls have begun embracing the rebuilding process, and LaVine has been on the trade block for quite a while now.</p><p>The problem the Bulls have run into when it comes to their attempts in trading him away have been the fact that he was injured for a good chunk of last season and that other teams are wary of the kind of production he’ll be giving when he’s going to take up a huge portion of their salary cap.</p><p>In the end, LaVine may love the city of Chicago <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/bulls-news-zach-lavine-vow-chicago-rumored-rift-trade-talks">as well as the Bulls franchise</a>, but his long-term future with the team does not depend on his preferences, as it remains likely for him to change teams within the next few months.</p><h2><b>Will the Lakers actually trade for Bulls star Zach LaVine?</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Chicago-Bulls-at-Los-Angeles-Lakers.jpg"></figure><p>The Lakers are figuring out rather early in the season that their current roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis may not be good enough to win a championship. However, is Zach LaVine the missing piece that will take them over the top?</p><p>If anything, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-jj-redick-change-nba-cup-loss-suns">Lakers need to reinforce their defense</a> that ranks in the bottom five in the league. LaVine won’t do much, if anything at all, to improve their defense. Thus, it’s likely that the Lakers look elsewhere and that the Bulls find another taker for LaVine and his huge contract.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Bulls guard Zach LaVine’s 7-word response to fan heckling about Lakers trade rumors

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-how-dangelo-russell-improved-play-impacts-lakers-trade-strategy');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: How D’Angelo Russell’s improved play off bench impacts Lakers’ trade strategy');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/How-DAngelo-Russells-improved-play-off-bench-impacts-Lakers-trade-strategy.jpg"><figcaption>ClutchPoints</figcaption></figure><h1>NBA rumors: How D’Angelo Russell’s improved play off bench impacts Lakers’ trade strategy</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-11-19T13:35:13-08:00">November 19th, 1:35pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-11-19T13:35:13-08:00">November 19th, 1:35pm</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Los Angeles Lakers</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/an-inside-look-at-the-immediate-dividends-jj-redick-bringing-dangelo-russell-off-the-bench-has-brought-the-lakers">Los Angeles Lakers are facing a pivotal decision regarding guard D’Angelo Russell</a> amid ongoing trade rumors. According to Lakers senior reporter Anthony Irwin, Russell’s recent resurgence in a bench role has complicated the team’s trade considerations.</p><p>After a slow start to the season, Russell was shifted to the bench by head coach JJ Redick. The adjustment has sparked significant improvement, with the Lakers currently riding a five-game winning streak. They hold a 9-4 record, placing them third in the Western Conference standings ahead of their second NBA Cup matchup against the Utah Jazz (3-10) on Tuesday night.</p><p>Statistically, Russell’s <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/russeda01.html" rel="noopener">impact has been undeniable</a>. While his season averages of 12.1 points, 4.8 assists, and 2.1 rebounds per game on 40.6% shooting from the field and 32.9% from three-point range are career lows, his on-court contributions tell a different story. Irwin highlights that the Lakers are 8.2 points per 100 possessions better offensively when Russell is on the court and 12.1 points per 100 possessions worse when he’s off.</p><p>During the Lakers’ five-game win streak, these metrics have surged further. The team is 19.9 points per 100 possessions better with Russell on the floor and 5.4 points worse without him. Notably, the Lakers are scoring an impressive 128.5 points per 100 possessions during this stretch, showcasing the bench unit’s offensive firepower with Russell leading the charge.</p><h2><b>D’Angelo Russell’s resurgence off the bench complicates Lakers’ trade pursuit</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/DAngelo-Russell-1-signals-a-holding-foul-against-the-Toronto-Raptors.jpg"><figcaption>© Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>This newfound efficiency presents a challenge for the Lakers. Russell’s buy-in to a reduced role has elevated the team’s overall performance, raising questions about whether the front office would be willing to trade him. The team has reportedly been exploring options to add a big man to complement Anthony Davis, as ESPN’s Shams Charania recently mentioned on The Pat McAfee Show. Charania indicated the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-lakers-trade-strategy-pivotal-update">Lakers might adopt an aggressive approach</a> in pursuit of a roster upgrade.</p><p>Russell’s current role has sparked debate within the organization. While his individual numbers have dipped, his overall contributions to the Lakers’ success in a bench role may make it difficult to part ways with him, even for a potential upgrade in the frontcourt. Balancing the desire to improve their roster with the risk of disrupting their newfound chemistry could influence the team’s strategy as the season progresses.</p><p>The Los Angeles Lakers’ decision-making will likely hinge on Russell’s ability to sustain this level of play and whether the market offers a deal compelling enough to justify the risk of altering a winning formula. For now, Russell’s resurgence has made him a central figure in the Lakers’ evolving trade strategy.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: How D’Angelo Russell’s improved play off bench impacts Lakers’ trade strategy

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-lakers-trade-strategy-pivotal-update');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Lakers’ trade strategy gets pivotal update');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Lakers-trade-strategy-gets-pivotal-update.jpg"></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Lakers’ trade strategy gets pivotal update</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-11-19T10:39:40-08:00">November 19th, 10:39am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-11-19T10:39:40-08:00">November 19th, 10:39am</time><address><a>Jackson Stone</a>Jackson Stone is a Mercer University senior from Atlanta on track to graduate with a BA in communications. A lifelong sports lover, Jackson is a die-hard fan of all Atlanta teams. He joined ClutchPoints in 2023.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Los Angeles Lakers</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-dalton-knecht-new-career-high-3-quarters-pelicans">Los Angeles Lakers have gotten off to a strong start</a> to the 2024-25 NBA season, currently sitting at 9-4 after Saturday evening’s road win <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-lebron-james-leaves-fans-stunned-rarely-seen-celly-pelicans">vs the New Orleans Pelicans</a>. The Lakers remain undefeated at home under newly minted head coach JJ Redick, and the team has seen some MVP caliber production thus far from big man Anthony Davis.</p><p>Although he stated on several occasions that his preferred position is the power forward, the Lakers have started Davis at the center position in every game thus far this season, and at least one part of the reason why is the team’s lack of depth at those positions overall. However, Shams Charania of ESPN recently took to the Pat McAfee Show to report that the Lakers could be aggressive <a href="https://x.com/ClutchPoints/status/1858936471543046472" rel="noopener">in their pursuit</a> to shore up that roster weakness.</p><p>“They have said for a while now, and I’ve reported this already, they are looking actively for a big man to add to that lineup. They have assets to play with, they have contracts to play with,” reported Charania. “…There are a few names out there. I don’t think that they have fully targeted a name yet.”</p><p>Indeed, the Lakers’ frontcourt depth behind Davis is shaky at best, with Christian Wood currently out of the lineup due to injury and Jaxson Hayes not providing consistent enough production to warrant a rotational spot in the lineup.</p><h2><b>Can the Lakers compete this year?</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/James-celebrates.jpg"><figcaption>Stephen Lew-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The early returns on this Lakers season have been promising.</p><p>JJ Redick has already made one somewhat drastic move by sending D’Angelo Russell to the bench in favor of a more defensively inclined starting lineup, and Russell has responded with some solid games as the Lakers’ sixth man.</p><p>Austin Reaves continues to shoot the lights out of the ball while showing some improvement on the defensive end of the floor, and LeBron James remarkably is showing no signs of slowing down as his 40th birthday approaches.</p><p>However, the biggest reason for the Lakers’ strong start is the play of Davis, who has turned back the clock to the 2020 Bubble version of himself that helped lead the Lakers to their most recent NBA championship.</p><p>In any case, the Lakers will next take the floor for some NBA cup action at home against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday evening. That game is slated to tip off at 10:30 PM ET at the Crypto.com Arena.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Lakers’ trade strategy gets pivotal update

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-lakers-not-feeling-urgency-make-trades');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Lakers not feeling urgency to make trades');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/NBA-rumors-Lakers-not-feeling-urgency-to-make-trades.jpg"></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Lakers not feeling urgency to make trades</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-11-15T13:41:20-08:00">November 15th, 1:41pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-11-15T13:41:20-08:00">November 15th, 1:41pm</time><address><a>Kris Pursiainen</a>Kris Pursiainen is an Associate Editor for all sports based in the NJ/NYC area. Kris brings several years of experience reporting on and writing about professional teams to the table. With experience all over the country as a New York Knicks, New York Jets, New York Mets, Super Bowl LVIII, and Big East beat reporter, Kris has been breaking news and reporting on the NBA, NFL, MLB, and college basketball landscapes for years. Kris is a proud graduate of Fordham University.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Los Angeles Lakers</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/jj-redick-hot-lakers-start-quickly-turning-deja-vu-nightmare">Los Angeles Lakers are 7-4 to start their season</a>. They have sole possession of sixth place in the NBA’s Western Conference. However, the team is in no rush to make a trade.</p><p>Several people familiar with the situation and detailed why the Lakers aren’t <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rO-_riZEnaQ&amp;t=268s" rel="noopener">scrambling to improve their roster</a>, via Jovan Buha The Athletic.</p><p>“Based on the intel that has come out, it seems to be that this is going to be a situation that drags into January if not closer to that February 6 trade deadline,” Buha said. “The Lakers might have some incentive to make a trade sooner than later but that doesn’t necessarily mean the team that they are trading with has that same incentive. And a lot of these teams again as I mentioned want to see 30, 35, 40 games with their groups to decide which players are keepers, which players are expendable.”</p><p>The Lakers hired a new head coach last offseason in J.J. Redick and are not facing any kind of imminent collapse. Giving the group time to settle in and develop chemistry under a new locker room leader makes sense. Buha continued, explaining that the state of the trade market itself is a factor as well.</p><p>“Then, once trades start to happen – the market gets set. And you don’t want to be the first team, necessarily, to make a deal.”</p><h2><b>Lakers have been looking for help at center</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Anthony-Davis-and-Zach-Edey.jpg"><figcaption>Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>With both Jaxson Hayes and Christian Wood injured, the Lakers’ depth at center has been thin. Add in Anthony Davis’ preference for playing power forward and <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-jj-redick-plan-for-anthony-davis">the extent to which J.J. Redick utilizes him on offense</a>, and it’s simple to understand why some additional help could be seen as necessary.</p><p>The the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/sources-lakers-plans-decimated-center-position-behind-anthony-davis">Lakers have checked on numerous centers</a>, via ClutchPoints’ Anthony Irwin. That list included Jonas Valanciunas, Robert Williams, Myles Turner, and others. Irwin mentioned that help “isn’t on the way, either,” and shared the same sentiment as Buha, who discussed centers on the market and detailed why those targets aren’t likely to be Lakers soon.</p><p>“I was talking to a couple of different scouts last night and going through some of the rumored potential centers available some of the centers I’ve heard and they were saying a lot of those guys they feel like aren’t worth a first-round pick, as valuable as the Lakers’ could be at the end of the decade,” he explained. “I disagree, depending on the player, but I also think that there are some players like Jonas Valanciunas who I would not be comfortable giving up a first-round pick for.”</p><p>Redick has done a strong job of coaching the Lakers. He has helped the team show improvement despite having roughly the same roster as last year. Help might be on the way for Los Angeles but it doesn’t seem like it will come soon.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Lakers not feeling urgency to make trades

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-shams-hints-lebron-james-retirement-plans');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: Shams hints at LeBron James’ retirement plans');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Shams-hints-at-LeBron-James-retirement-plans.jpg"></figure><h1>NBA rumors: Shams hints at LeBron James’ retirement plans</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-11-14T10:18:59-08:00">November 14th, 10:18am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-11-14T10:18:59-08:00">November 14th, 10:18am</time><address><a href="https://haydencilley.wixsite.com/hayden-cilley-s-port">Hayden Cilley</a>Hayden Cilley joined ClutchPoints in August 2024 as a Phoenix Suns and Mercury reporter, as well as an Associate Editor. Hayden graduated from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University while covering events like the 2023 NCAA Men's Final Four, the 2024 Vrbo Fiesta Bowl and the Arizona State men's swim and dive team. He recently covered the Phoenix Mercury for The Next Hoops and PHNX Sports.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Los Angeles Lakers</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The latest on <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-lebron-james-drops-somber-retirement-take-after-making-history-in-la-win">LeBron James’ possible retirement</a> comes courtesy of ESPN’s Shams Charania. He spoke to Stephen A. Smith on ESPN’s First Take about James’ <a href="https://x.com/ClutchPoints/status/1857115580102291527" rel="noopener">potential plan</a> following this season.<br><br>“[LeBron James] is going to be 40 years old next month,” Charania said. “My sense is next season could potentially be his last season in the NBA. Maybe Bryce James keeps him around an extra year or two.”<br><br>As Shams said, James will turn 40 years old in December. One of <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-lebron-james-bronny-james-nba-history-timberwolves">LeBron’s biggest goals was to play with his son, Bronny</a>. While he’s bouncing between the G-League and the main Lakers roster, LeBron has part of his mission accomplished.</p><p>At the same time, he could wait another two years and play with Bryce. Regardless, LeBron has about every record imaginable and easily has a Hall-of-Fame resume. He and Michael Jordan are typically in the conversation for the best player to ever play the game. </p><h2><b>LeBron James’ retirement could happen soon</b></h2><p>If Bryce commits to the NBA, it could be a similar story as it is with Bronny. No one has ever played with a father-son duo on the basketball court. While it happened on the baseball field with Ken Griffey and Ken Griffey Jr., it had yet to happen in basketball. Regardless, LeBron made his dream come true. With his statistics and longevity, even at nearly 40 years old, he’s one of the best in the league.</p><p>If he chooses to keep playing and wait for Bryce is totally up to him. There’s nothing else for LeBron to prove, other than possibly another championship. As of those, he has four and has been to 10 NBA Finals throughout his career. However, Bryce could be the reason he continues to stay. Playing with both of his sons simultaneously could be something that only belongs to LeBron.</p><p>As of now, LeBron is averaging 24.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 9.4 assists per game. His efficiency has been through the roof, shooting <a href="https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/j/jamesle01.html" rel="noopener">52.4% from the field and 45.9% from three</a>. The numbers are great but an external motivation to play could keep him going. If not, then LeBron will leave a lasting legacy on the sport.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

NBA rumors: Shams hints at LeBron James’ retirement plans

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/lakers-news-bronny-james-nepotism-rumored-decision-brian-windhorst');   ga('set', 'title', 'Lakers’ Bronny James nepotism ‘gone too far’ with rumored decision says Brian Windhorst');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Bronny-James-nepotism-%E2%80%98gone-too-far-with-rumored-decision-says-Brian-Windhorst.jpg"></figure><h1>Lakers’ Bronny James nepotism ‘gone too far’ with rumored decision says Brian Windhorst</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-11-13T09:33:18-08:00">November 13th, 9:33am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-11-13T09:33:18-08:00">November 13th, 9:33am</time><address><a>Malik Brown</a>Malik Brown is a multimedia reporter based in Atlanta who covers the Hawks and Dream for ClutchPoints. Malik has worked in entertainment and sports, and he specializes in the NBA and NFL.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Los Angeles Lakers</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Los Angeles Lakers have decided that <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-bronny-james-roster-move-raptors-clash">Bronny James will play in G-League</a> home games but will not travel with the team during road teams. Instead, it looks like James will be with the Lakers during road games, which <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLu1neCd4swuakibtwr6887z4D8YH3YUnK&amp;t=1410&amp;v=pgr8t8aKVjY&amp;feature=youtu.be" rel="noopener">doesn’t seem like a good idea</a>, according to Brian Windhorst on the Hoop Collective.</p><p>“I’m going to apply the brakes on my everything is fine on the Bronny front with this thing that’s now happening. Which is that from my understanding he’s only going to play in the South Bay Lakers home games, that he’s only gonna kind of be a part-time G-League player, and he’s not getting on United Airlines and going to fly and go play in these road games now,” Windhorst said. “I know he was getting so much special treatment and nepotism, and that’s fine honestly, I don’t care.</p><p>“Like I said, it’s normal. Now, I think it’s actually detrimental to him. I don’t know whose idea it was obviously the Lakers are fine with it they’re doing it. On this particular instance, I think that’s gone too far and I don’t think that benefits Bronny, I don’t think it benefits the South Bay Lakers, and I don’t think it benefits LeBron at that point. I think it’d be much better if Bronny was a more developed player by February or March by playing in G-League road games.”</p><p>James could highly benefit from playing with the South Bay Lakers, but him only playing part-time could slow his development.</p><h2>Should Bronny James spend more time in the G-League?</h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Bronny-James_652204.jpg"><figcaption>Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>In Bronny James’ G-League debut, he finished with six points, four assists, and three rebounds, and he showed that he is still a work in progress. He has continued to get critiqued, and recently, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-why-bronny-james-has-been-awkward-in-nba-per-gilbert-arenas">Gilbert Arenas shared his thoughts on James</a>, saying that he has been too passive.</p><p>“The problem with Bronny James’ game is he’s not aggressive, and when you’re not looking to score, it becomes a problem,” Arenas said on his show. “When you’re looking to make passes, you miss everything – right, if you just be ultra-aggressive, like I’m looking to score, you stop me, then I make a pass. But if you sit here trying to make a pass and rim is right here and then it becomes an oh s**t [moment]… it becomes a harder game.”</p><p>James would be able to work on that part of his game if he continues to spend time in the G-League. If he’s with the Lakers most of the time, he won’t get many minutes unless it’s towards the end of the game. The best thing for his development is going to the G-League and getting as many reps as he can.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Lakers’ Bronny James nepotism ‘gone too far’ with rumored decision says Brian Windhorst

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba-rumors-2-centers-on-lakers-internal-trade-board');   ga('set', 'title', 'NBA rumors: 2 centers on Lakers’ ‘internal trade board’');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/NBA-rumor-2-centers-on-Lakers-internal-trade-board.jpg"></figure><h1>NBA rumors: 2 centers on Lakers’ ‘internal trade board’</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-11-10T11:37:30-08:00">November 10th, 11:37am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-11-10T11:37:30-08:00">November 10th, 11:37am</time><address><a>Malik Brown</a>Malik Brown is a multimedia reporter based in Atlanta who covers the Hawks and Dream for ClutchPoints. Malik has worked in entertainment and sports, and he specializes in the NBA and NFL.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Los Angeles Lakers</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Los Angeles Lakers are still trying to find a way to get better throughout the season, and the main constant has been wanting to <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba-rumors-lakers-linked-walker-kessler-trade">get another center on the team</a>. There are <a href="https://marcstein.substack.com/p/sunday-best-all-my-latest-from-the-733?utm_source=post-email-title&amp;publication_id=392205&amp;post_id=151340616&amp;utm_campaign=email-post-title&amp;isFreemail=false&amp;r=39f60&amp;triedRedirect=true&amp;utm_medium=email" rel="noopener">two specific centers</a> that the Lakers have their eye on, according to Marc Stein.</p><p>“On a related topic: My colleague Jake Fischer reported on his weekly Bleacher Report live stream that the Lakers, widely believed to be interested in adding a proven center at some point during the season, have Washington’s Jonas Valanciunas and Milwaukee’s Brook Lopez as potential targets on their ‘internal board,'” Stein wrote.</p><p>Jonas Valanciunas has been linked to the Lakers since the offseason, as they tried to sign him in free agency, but he went with the Washington Wizards. Brook Lopez has been in trade rumors, and with the Milwaukee Bucks having a slow start to the season, it’ll be interesting to see what they plan to do if they continue to regress.</p><p>Another option the Lakers could look at is Nikola Vucevic, who has been a consistent option for the Chicago Bulls. The one thing for the Lakers is who would they be willing to trade, and if the other team would be willing to make a deal with them.</p><h2>Lakers looking to improve roster this season</h2><p>The Lakers have been trying to find more depth at center, with the current options they have been low. Christian Wood is still injured, and Christian Koloko isn’t getting many minutes since being <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/lakers-news-christian-koloko-takes-big-step-towards-return-blood-clot-issue">cleared to return after his blood clot issues</a>. Anthony Davis has been playing some of the best basketball of his career, but it would be nice if the Lakers could find a reliable center to take the pressure off of him.</p><p>There’s no doubt that the Lakers will continue to be on the phone trying to find a center to add to the roster.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

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