NBA Rumors: LA Lakers 'waiting for their phone to ring' regarding potential trades
Recent rumors surrounding the LA Lakers have made the team appear extremely hesitant and prudent when considering their trade options. However, ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported that the Lakers are reportedly waiting for something big to present itself.
The Lakeshow featured in trade rumors yet again. With the Lakers being linked with several teams in the offseason as well as the regular season, the Purple and Gold have become a common figure in trade talks.
However, there has been little to no development regarding a move being made. With particular reference to the rumors surrounding Russell Westbrook, the team have been rather hesitant to make a splash.
There has been some noise suggesting that this could be due to the team's desire to retain Westbrook if he continues to play the way he does. Some rumors also suggest that it's because of their reluctance to trade away their remaining draft capital.
While there has been a lot of speculation on the matter, there hasn't been a lot of confirmation regarding the LA Lakers' plans. On that note, ESPN's Ramona Shelburne also offered her opinion on the Lakers' outlook with regards to making trades.
Voicing her take on NBA Today, Shelburne started off by addressing the state of the team first:
"I think because they've got some wins and there's so much parity in the Western Conference, they [Lakers] don't feel that sense of urgency and frankly. I don't know if they should at this point. This team just play well when they've been healthy."
Shelburne added that the team had shown signs of growth. When referring to their recent wins and the manner in which LeBron James helped Westbrook after sustaining a nasty injury, the analyst noted that there was some potential for this roster.
With this in mind, she added:
"My sense from talking to people around the league: [The Lakers] are not necessarily motivated right now to go do something big, unless something big presented itself to them. They're waiting for their phone to ring rather than to call."
"My sense from talking to people around the league: [The Lakers] are not necessarily motivated right now to go do something big, unless something big presented itself to them. They're waiting for their phone to ring."
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Shelburne noted that Dec. 15 remains an important day when considering trade talks. With free agency signings being available for trade after the mid-December mark, the Lakers may consider making moves then.
However, if what Ramona Shelburne said is to be considered true, the Purple and Gold may not actively pursue a blockbuster deal.
The LA Lakers don't have enough to be a contender
As Ramona Shelburne mentioned in her segment on NBA Today, the LA Lakers have shown some potential for growth. Having won a handful of games recently, the Purple and Gold appear to have found some kind of rhythm. However, they remain short of a few players to be considered contenders.
The Lakers have had some noteworthy performers as of late. Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook in particular have been incredible while fulfilling their roles. Austin Reaves and Lonnie Walker IV have also taken massive strides in improving. Meanwhile, Thomas Bryant and Wenyen Gabriel have provided Davis with impressive support in the center spot.
As of late, the LA Lakers have shown some potential. However, some reports have suggested that leaders in the Lakers' locker room believe that the team is a few pieces away from being a contender.
It has rather ambiguous connotations. Being suggestive of a potential trade in the works, the Lakers may undergo some more changes in due time.