X

Lakers Trade Rumors: Examining Top Buzz After NBA All-Star Weekend 2017

Maurice Moton@@MoeMotonX.com LogoFeatured ColumnistFebruary 21, 2017

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 14: Brandon Ingram #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers is guard by Darren Collison #7 of the Sacramento Kings during the game against at Staples Center on February 14, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images

As NBA trade deadline rumors continue to circulate, the Los Angeles Lakers front office went through significant changes on Tuesday.

According to NBA.com, Mitch Kupchak and Jim Buss will no longer serve as general manager and vice president of basketball operations, respectively, with Magic Johnson taking on the role of president of basketball operations. How will these changes affect current trade deals on the table and roster moves in the coming days? 

Prior to the front office turnover, the previous regime made a huge decision on the franchise's future while engaging in trade talks with the Sacramento Kings. The blockbuster trade that sent center DeMarcus Cousins to the New Orleans Pelicans could have ended differently with the Lakers in the headlines. 

Los Angeles, at 19-39, still has a very slight chance at a postseason berth. However, with the Pelicans setting themselves up for a late-season surge, it’s difficult to see a path for this young Lakers team.

How will Johnson, in a new role, mold this roster for the future?

Lakers Pass on DeMarcus Cousins to Keep Brandon Ingram

Before looking forward, we’ll take a step backward. According to The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Lakers had Cousins in their sights but didn’t want to deal the 2016 No. 2 overall pick, Brandon Ingram:

Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn

Kings wanted Brandon Ingram in a trade package for Cousins, but Lakers refused to include him, league sources tell @TheVertical.

Obviously, Cousins has more to offer than Ingram right now, but the rookie could hold the Lakers' future in his hands. There’s no doubt the three-time All-Star would have made this team better overnight, but at the cost of the franchise’s future.

Remember, Cousins will become a free agent after the 2017-18 season, per Spotrac. The uncertainty in his long-term outlook and erratic on-court behavior probably prevented Kupchak from going all-in for the talented big man. 

Ingram’s minutes have fluctuated throughout the season, but head coach Luke Walton would likely prefer to ease his rookie into the fray as opposed to tossing the franchise on his back immediately. With a young nucleus intact, Los Angeles could use a productive veteran who can become the proverbial glue this roster needs to take the next step.

Carmelo Anthony Prefers Los Angeles

Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks passes under pressure from D'Angelo Russell of the Los Angeles Lakers on December 11, 2016 during their NBA match in Los Angeles, California. / AFP / Frederic J. BROWN        (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BRO
FREDERIC J. BROWN/Getty Images

As mentioned, a veteran with years left in the tank could propel the Lakers into playoff contention in the following season. New York Post reporter Marc Berman suggests a trade to a Los Angeles team would interest New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony, who has a no-trade clause in his contract: 

"While Anthony indicated Saturday he hadn’t ruled out changing uniforms if the right deal to the right city (Los Angeles) is presented to him, he said he 'hopes' he’s a Knick on Thursday, when they face the Cavaliers in Cleveland," said Berman.

Basketball Insiders editor and writer Steve Kyler highlights the Lakers’ assets as an intriguing pull for a Knicks team that may be considering a rebuild.

"A deal with the Lakers may yield the best package the Knicks could hope for," said Kyler. "It also gets the Lakers a star player to pair with D’Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, and Larry Nance."

Anthony would automatically become the Lakers’ closer in the fourth quarter and the go-to scorer game to game. But how many young assets would it cost Los Angeles to bring in a 10-time All-Star who’s still performing at a high level on the offensive end? 

The Knicks’ star forward would likely prefer a deal to the other Los Angeles team in the playoff hunt. Nonetheless, he would own the spotlight on a developing Lakers roster without a star player.

Utah Jazz Interested in Lou Williams

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 05:  Louis Williams #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers waits for a free throw during the second half of a 107-101 Utah Jazz win at Staples Center on December 5, 2016 in Los Angeles, California.  NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowled
Harry How/Getty Images

The young Lakers could deal veteran guard Lou Williams and plunge deeper into the daycare days in Los Angeles. According to ESPN reporter Ian Begley, the Utah Jazz have an interest in acquiring the 30-year-old sixth man, who’s averaging a career-high 18.6 points per game and shooting 38 percent from three-point range. 

The Jazz have quietly built a strong roster over the past few years and hold the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference. A pure scorer such as Williams would help boost this team’s scoring average. Utah ranks No. 28 in points per game at 100.2.

The Lakers would likely receive a draft pick for Williams, which may have a solid return thanks to a deep 2017 draft class. The new roster architect, Johnson, may also consider utilizing the pick for trade value in the near future.

According to ESPN’s Zach Lowe, the Washington Wizards also expressed interest in Williams. If not the Jazz, expect the Lakers to deal their leading scorer to the highest bidder before Thursday's deadline.

Stats provided by NBA.com and Basketball-Reference.com unless otherwise noted.