LA Lakers Rumors Roundup: Team unwilling to trade first round picks, Purple and Gold had sights set on SGA, and more
The LA Lakers are reportedly unwilling to trade their highly coveted future first-round picks in 2027 and 2029. In other news, the Lakers reportedly had their sights set on OKC Thunder star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander prior to the season.
On that note, here are the latest rumors involving the LA Lakers as of Dec. 6, 2022.
LA Lakers unwilling to trade first round picks
The LA Lakers have won three straight games and eight of their last 10 to improve to 10-12. They are now just two games behind the eighth seed in the West. This has led many to believe the Lakers are now more likely to make win-now trades involving their 2027 and 2029 first-rounders. However, this may not be the case, according to Ric Bucher of Fox Sports.
A source reportedly told Bucher that a trade including either of the team's two future first-round draft picks "ain't happening." Bucher added that Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka is prioritizing the team's long-term future. However, he also said that LA will still try to move struggling veteran guard Patrick Beverley.
If true, this is certainly a questionable decision by the Lakers given their star forward LeBron James is turning 38 this month. Plus, Anthony Davis has been playing like a superstar for LA recently. So now may be the best time for the Lakers to go all in on their current core.
Also read: Paul Pierce shows fierce support for Anthony Davis - “KG mentality rest of the season, if so Lakers easily a playoff team”
LA Lakers hoped to trade for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
The LA Lakers were reportedly hoping to make a big trade for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander this season. The hope for LA was that if OKC ended up tanking once again, then they could swoop in and make a big offer for SGA. The plan was recently shared via Sam Amick of The Athletic on an episode of the 'Real Ones' podcast for The Ringer.
“My mind goes to, even if it’s unlikely at this point, the star player trade… months ago there was this kind of ‘pie in the sky’ sense from the Lakers of ‘Well, if Oklahoma City completely tanks, let’s go get Shai.’ Like, I heard Shai’s name coming out of that Lakers camp. But it’s just a dream."
Amick added that there is now no chance of a trade happening following SGA’s breakout season:
“Don’t get too excited. It’s not happening. I wrote something about it a couple of weeks ago and, boy, did I hear about it from the Thunder."
SGA is averaging 31.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.1 blocks per game on 50.6% shooting this season. He has looked like not only an All-Star caliber player but a superstar-level player through 22 games. So it looks like the Lakers will have to move on to other more realistic trade targets.
Devean George clears up rumors about Shaquille O’Neal
Former LA Lakers forward Devean George has debunked the rumor that legendary Lakers big man Shaquille O’Neal once “took a s**t in his shoes.” The rumor was brought up by LA Clippers coach Tyronn Lue during an appearance on the 'Knuckleheads Podcast.'
Lue said that O’Neal was angry that George didn’t bring him donuts, so he used George’s shoe as a toilet.
However, George has since told TMZ that the story is not true:
“Hell no, that’s a lie, that’s cap... And I know T-Lue started that.”
However, George added that O’Neal may have done it to one of his former Orlando Magic teammates.
“That never happened. I think he did that to someone in Orlando. I don’t remember the dude’s name, but he did that in Orlando. But he never took a s**t in my shoes."
George also added that O’Neal was a great teammate:
“He was a great teammate. He’s a good guy, great dude. I love him."
Also read: When Shaquille O’Neal’s 'nude practice' was revealed by Phil Jackson: “He shocked us all in the practice room when he showed up with just shoes on”