LA Lakers Rumors roundup: New York Knicks seeking 2 second-round picks for Cam Reddish, insider explains why LeBron James doesn't care for draft picks, and more
The latest asking price for longtime LA Lakers trade target Cam Reddish has been revealed.
In other news, an NBA insider recently explained why LeBron James probably doesn't care about the Lakers' future draft picks.
On that note, here are the latest rumors surrounding the LA Lakers as of Jan. 12, 2023.
New York Knicks seeking two second-round picks for Cam Reddish
The LA Lakers have repeatedly shown interest in New York Knicks wing Cam Reddish over the last year. This dates back to before the Knicks traded a first-round pick to acquire Reddish from the Atlanta Hawks last season.
The wing has since been made available again by New York, following a total of just 35 games played with the team. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the asking price for Reddish has dropped to just two second-round picks. Scotto also noted that LA is still interested.
“The Cam Reddish era appears to be nearing an end roughly one year after New York traded a first-round pick to acquire the former Duke standout,” Scotto said.
“Reddish hasn’t played in 18 games and counting for the Knicks as the team looks to find a new home for the former No. 10 overall pick.”
He added:
“The Knicks are willing to part with Reddish for two second-round picks, league sources told HoopsHype. The Lakers, Bucks, and other teams have inquired about the asking price for Reddish, who was shooting a career-high 44.9% from the field before being benched, HoopsHype has learned.”
Cam Reddish is averaging just 8.4 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game on 44.9% shooting through 20 games for New York this season. However, he is certainly a talented player, having been a No. 10 pick in 2019. He is also still just 23 years old.
Perhaps the LA Lakers could still harness some of his upside. Either way, acquiring Reddish would be a low-risk move for LA given the New York Knicks' low asking price.
NBA insider explains why LeBron James probably doesn't care about LA Lakers' future draft picks
The debate over whether the LA Lakers should trade their 2027 and 2029 first-round picks to contend this season has been ongoing.
Many have reasoned that the Lakers need to capitalize on the final years of LeBron James’ career as the star forward is already 38 years old. Meanwhile, others have countered that it doesn’t make sense for LA to mortgage their future for a marginal chance at a title.
However, according to one NBA insider, James probably doesn’t care much about the Lakers’ future picks.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recently explained that the four-time NBA champion has never been a fan of playing alongside rookies.
“LeBron James doesn't care about first-round draft picks. And if you were him, you wouldn't either,” Windhorst said.
Windhorst then went on to provide some examples of the few times James played alongside rookie first-round picks throughout his 20-year career.
“In his now 20-year pro career, James' teams drafted a player in the first round and played him with James as a rookie a grand total of five times,” Windhorst said.
He added:
“James played more than two seasons with one of them, (Norris) Cole, who was also the only rookie first-rounder to play with James on a team that reached the NBA Finals.
“J.J. Hickson and James did establish a nice repertoire in two seasons together, though ironically the Cleveland Cavaliers were criticized for not trading Hickson for veteran talent before James left in free agency.
“None of the players, respectively, had distinguished careers in the league. (Moe) Wagner, it must be said, is still working on his. He's currently with the Orlando Magic, his fourth team in five seasons.”
LeBron James doesn’t care much about 1st rounders & if you look at what his teams have done with them the last 20 years you may agree
Plus the best new nickname, cash game in trade market & latest injury affects on MVP
This week from the collective: espn.com/nba/insider/st…
It remains to be seen if the LA Lakers will give in to James’ preferences to trade their picks for established veterans. They are currently 19-22 and 12th in the Western Conference at the halfway point of their season.
Also read: NBA analyst insinuates LA Lakers winning is "pissing off" the front office because of their refusal to go all-in: "It's making them look worse"
Patrick Beverley still eyeing return to Minnesota
Earlier this season, it was reported that LA Lakers veteran point guard Patrick Beverley wanted to return to Minnesota. This came after Beverley’s early-season struggles in LA, in contrast to his successful lone year with the Minnesota Timberwolves last season.
Beverley has since picked up his play a little bit, particularly his shooting efficiency. However, according to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, Beverley still has his sights set on returning to Minnesota.
Krawczynski recently broke down the possibility on the “Please Don’t Aggregate This” podcast.
“I know that you did write earlier in the season that he was open to coming back. I absolutely, 100% can confirm that and believe your reporting on that,” he said.
“And it’s not even like, 'do I have to talk to people about it?' Yeah, I’ve talked to people about it, but just look at Patrick Beverley’s Twitter feed. Like every time there is some sort of Timberwolves thing on there, he’s commenting on it.
“He’s commenting on A-Rod posting about shoveling snow, he’s commenting Karl-Anthony Towns saying ‘Happy New Year,’ he clearly is keeping those doors open as wide as possible,” Krawczynski continued.
The Athletic journalist then explained how Beverley likely feels like he was more valued in Minnesota than he is in LA:
“He knows how valued he was here and maybe he’s not as valued with the Lakers on a different team in chemistry and makeup, but he also knows that I can guarantee you that there is not one single day that goes by that Patrick Beverley can’t look into his mentions saying ‘We love you Pat Bev, we miss you.’ And I think that he likes that... So, we’ll see.”
Beverley is averaging 5.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game on 39.1% shooting through 34 games with the LA Lakers. He is also 34 years old and on an expiring $13 million contract.
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves are just 20-22 and 10th in the Western Conference. This comes following their 46-win season with Beverley last year. However, it remains to be seen if Minnesota has any interest in a reunion with the guard as it looks to turn their season around.
Also read: LA Lakers Rumors: NBA executive suggests potential LeBron James and Kevin Durant team up in Brooklyn