Los Angeles Lakers Rumors: DeAndre Jordan staying with Knicks, Lakers look to other options
What's the story?
Due to the trade deadline coming into effect earlier this month, the Los Angeles Lakers are limited when it comes to further improving the team. Nevertheless, the Lakers are known to be active in the buyout market and last week it was widely reported that the Lakers were interested in acquiring DeAndre Jordan. Despite this, Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times is reporting that the Knicks have no intentions of buying Jordan out of his contract:
The Lakers wouldn’t mind adding another big man, according to people not authorized to speak publicly. But one player the Lakers can forget about is Knicks center DeAndre Jordan, because New York has no intention of buying him out, according to one person.
In case you didn't know...
Up until last summer, DeAndre Jordan had spent his entire career with the LA Clippers. Alongside Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, Jordan formed part of the teams famous 'Dub City' trio, although, during his decade in LA, Jordan was never able to help the Clippers reach the Western Conference Finals.
The 6 ft 11-inch center eventually left the Clippers last summer, joining the Dallas Mavericks, although the 30-year-old was traded less than six months later as part of the blockbuster deal involving Kristaps Porzingis.
The heart of the matter
With Jordan set to remain with the Knicks for the remainder of the season, the Lakers' prospects of attracting a new starting center look bleak. Robin Lopez and Greg Monroe are still options, although it is debatable if either is an upgrade over JaVale McGee. Ultimately, the Lakers may be better off in strengthening other areas of the roster.
What's next?
After falling to 11th in the West standings, the Lakers will tomorrow night host the New Orleans Pelicans in a must-win game.