LA Lakers Rumors Roundup: Team highly unlikely landing spot for Kyrie Irving, Purple and Gold interested in trading for Josh Richardson, and more
Contrary to previous reports, the LA Lakers are now considered a highly unlikely landing spot for controversial Brooklyn Nets All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving.
In other news, the Lakers are still considering trading point guard Russell Westbrook to the San Antonio Spurs, despite his recent strong play off the bench.
On that note, here are the latest rumors surrounding the LA Lakers as of Nov. 8, 2022.
LA Lakers highly unlikely landing spot for Kyrie Irving
The LA Lakers have long been connected to Kyrie Irving in both trade and free agency rumors. However, Irving has recently been involved in yet another controversy and is serving a minimum five-game suspension for alleged anti-Semitism. Following this, The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported that it is highly unlikely that Irving will ever end up as a Laker.
"Sources say the Lakers have significant concerns about the prospect of adding Irving at any price and have not been focused on that scenario all season long. It’s quite clear that Laker Land is a highly unlikely, if not impossible, landing spot."
Most NBA fans would agree that Kyrie Irving is one of the most skilled players in the league. Irving is averaging 26.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.4 steals in eight games this season. But between his off-court drama and general lack of availability the past few seasons, it’s easy to see why teams are being cautious of him.
For more on the LA Lakers’ lack of interest in Kyrie Irving, click here.
Lakers looking to trade for Josh Richardson and Doug McDermott
Despite Russell Westbrook’s recent resurgence as a bench player, the LA Lakers are reportedly still contemplating trading him. Two of the Lakers’ most recent trade targets include San Antonio Spurs forwards Josh Richardson and Doug McDermott, via LJ Ellis of SpursTalk.
“According to a source, the Los Angeles Lakers have targeted Richardson and McDermott in a trade that would involve Russell Westbrook,” Ellis said.
“However, talks haven’t gained traction because the Lakers are only willing to relinquish a pair of second-round picks in return for both players.”
Ellis also added that the Spurs would likely buy out Westbrook after any potential trade:
“If the Spurs do land Westbrook in a trade, the source say the Spurs would buy out his contract and allow him to become a free agent."
This season, Richardson is averaging 11.5 points, 2.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists on 41.7% shooting from beyond the arc.
Meanwhile, McDermott is averaging 10.1 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game while shooting 41.8% shooting from the 3-point line.
Richardson would provide the Lakers with a reliable 3-and-D wing, while McDermott would provide the Lakers with an elite 3-point specialist.
LA Lakers keeping the door open to Anthony Davis trade
The LA Lakers and coach Darvin Ham have been banking on Anthony Davis to play like a superstar this season. While Davis has still been the Lakers’ best player it hasn’t been enough with LA sitting at just 2-8 and 14th in the Western Conference.
The Lakers' slow start has led to some buzz around the league that Davis may now be available. On the latest episode of his podcast “The Bill Simmons Podcast,” Bill Simmons talked about the Lakers looking at a Davis trade as Plan B:
“So, the Lakers lost again. There’s some buzz, some buzzing that AD might be available. That’s a Plan B."
New @BillSimmons Podcast with @TheCousinSal recapping this week in the NFL then they Guess The Lines. Then NBA talk with me because Bill is hearing some buzz that Anthony Davis may be available for trade. So we got into the Lakers' approach and best fits. open.spotify.com/episode/5msBgs…
Simmons then added that the Lakers might consider a Davis trade due to point guard Russell Westbrook not having high enough trade value:
“Because the Westbrook trade, or whatever they think they can get for Westbrook and whether you want to give up future assets, maybe that doesn’t even make sense because what are you getting if you’re the Lakers?”
Davis has averaged 23.2 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.0 blocks on 53.8% shooting this season. Despite his strong numbers, many are still questioning whether he can be the No. 1 guy on a championship team without LeBron James.
The Lakers also lack future draft capital over the next few years and don’t have many trade assets to build a contender around Davis anyway. They may decide that a Davis trade is their best option to improve their team long-term.
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