NBA Trade Rumors: 3 players currently being linked with the Los Angeles Lakers

Modified Apr 04, 2019 23:24 GMT

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While contending teams around, the NBA are currently gearing up for potentially long postseason runs, a number of franchises are already looking towards the offseason. Among them is the Los Angeles Lakers, who failed to make the playoffs for a sixth consecutive season.

Due to their disappointing season, the Lakers are desperately seeking a second All-Star this summer, and LeBron James has told Bleacher Report that he will take up an active role in the Lakers' recruitment:

'That's why I came here. I came here to win. And obviously, we need to get better, as far as our personnel we have an opportunity to get better. And there's a lot of talent out there, and a lot of guys that can help our franchise. So, I'll be as active as I need to be for us to get better and go from there.'

The Lakers will have around $35 million available in cap space this summer, enough for at least one maximum contract. So, as we head towards the offseason, here are three players that are reportedly interesting the Lakers.

#3 Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler only joined the Philadelphia 76ers back in November, and despite a successful five months with the team, Butler is expected to test his value in free agency. Regarding Butler's future, Howard Beck of Bleacher Report has spoken to multiple executives around the league, with many believing that Butler could head to the Lakers:

Rival executives will tell you, without hesitation, that Durant is bound for the Knicks; that Irving is likely to join him; that Leonard likes the Clippers; that Butler might choose the Lakers.

The Lakers made a play for the 29-year-old before he left Minnesota for the 76ers in November, although the team may be hesitant to hand the former Chicago man a max deal.

#2 Anthony Davis

In the days leading up to the February trade deadline, Anthony Davis requested a trade -- as he tried to force through a move to a contending team. The Lakers proceeded to make a series of offers -- although all efforts failed, with the Pelicans opting to retain their star man until the summer.

The Lakers are set to return with a follow-up offer this summer, although Bleacher Report is reporting that Los Angeles will face an uphill battle to secure Davis' signature:

The Lakers already failed to pry the disgruntled Davis from New Orleans in February, and though they will surely try again this offseason, no one around the league expects a different outcome. The Pelicans have already rejected the Lakers' best offer, including prospects Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram; there is no reason to believe they'll like them any more this summer.

Davis has a year remaining on his contract, and both the Boston Celtics and Lakers are believed to have made him their primary target.

#1 Kemba Walker

Ahead of his upcoming free agency, Kemba Walker has enjoyed the best season of his career. The 28-year-old has averaged 25.3 points, 5.9 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game, and after the Hornets once again failed to make the playoffs, Walker is expected to walk away.

Due to this, Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer is reporting that the Lakers are interested in acquiring the 3-time All-Star.

LeBron James and the Lakers could also chase Walker, as their options this summer will likely be more limited than they expected. Walker could be the piece that makes Durant and the Knicks work or takes LeBron and the Lakers to the next level. Those are the typical big-market destinations, but multiple teams inquired about Walker’s availability prior to the deadline.

Despite the Lakers apparent interest in Walker, the point guard is still expected to be a backup target to Kyrie Irving, who is expected to leave the Celtics.