LA Lakers Trade Rumors: Jae Crowder touted as possible target for Lakers
The LA Lakers are expected to be active heading into the trade deadline. After a slow start to the season, the Lakers have found their groove with six wins in their last ten games. The latest rumors have touted Jae Crowder of the Phoenix Suns as a possible target for the Lakers.
Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report pointed out that the trade market could heat up starting on December 15. That's when players signed in free agency would be eligible to get traded. Pincus added that possible trade targets are difficult to gauge at the moment due to several factors.
There would be teams that will try to make the playoffs or at least make the play-in tournament. Meanwhile, there would also be teams that will look to improve their chances of landing the first overall pick in next year's draft. That pick is expected to be French prospect Victor Wembanyama.
One target who has been available since the offseason is veteran forward Jae Crowder of the Phoenix Suns. Crowder has demanded a trade out of Phoenix and has not played a game this season. However, he's a hot commodity for contenders due to his shooting and defense.
Pincus opined that the LA Lakers could be one of the many interested teams in Crowder. The Suns forward averaged 9.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists last season. He's also set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
If the Lakers are indeed interested in Crowder, they could trade a couple of players. Jovan Buha of The Athletic reported last week that the Lakers are looking to get the best player available in exchange for Patrick Beverley and Kendrick Nunn.
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Other potential targets for LA Lakers
The biggest names currently linked with the LA Lakers are DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic of the Chicago Bulls. ESPN's Zach Lowe confirmed on his podcast that the Lakers are interested in the Bulls duo following Bill Simmons' trade suggestion.
"The trade I saw on Twitter was Russ and both picks, one with light protections, I think, for DeRozan and Vucevic," Lowe said. "I can tell you 100%, for sure, the Lakers have had internal discussions about that very possibility if it would ever come up."
Hey Chicago… it’s time…
https://t.co/xykaIvVPwp
Meanwhile, Ben Stinar and Brett Siegle discussed other potential targets for the LA Lakers on "The Fastbreak Podcast." Some of the players the Lakers could try to acquire include Alec Burks, Gary Harris, Kelly Oubre Jr., Duncan Robinson and Terrence Ross.
The Lakers could also revisit the failed deal with the San Antonio Spurs for Josh Richardson and Doug McDermott. Myles Turner and Buddy Hield also remain available for the Indiana Pacers.
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