Because the Los Angeles Lakers proceed to slip down the rankings, they’re nonetheless included of their fair proportion of NBA commerce rumors. Early within the season, when the Lakers have been at their finest, potential candidates have been anticipated to assist Los Angeles advance to the Finals. Within the midst of a 2-6 stretch, the Lakers now intention to remain above .500.
Los Angeles has been listed as a doable vacation spot for Walker Kessler, Jonas Valančiūnas, Nic Claxton, Isaiah Stewart, Brook Lopez and others, however up to now their present groups have been reluctant to ship them out. Regardless that the Detroit Pistons would possibly like Stewart as he and Jalen Duren discover success within the frontcourt rotation, Motor Metropolis might nonetheless be a doable commerce companion for the Lakers.
In line with an NBA Insider, the Pistons might look to return an offseason addition earlier than the February commerce deadline.
“After taking part in one of the best basketball of his profession in Philadelphia final season, Paul Reed was used sparingly in Detroit,” Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype famous Monday. “Reed needs to be accessible earlier than the February commerce deadline.”
Reed solely performed in 11 video games this season for Detroit after being claimed off waivers. He’s on a non-guaranteed contract till subsequent season and is averaging 4.9 factors and a pair of.1 rebounds in restricted minutes.
Final yr with the Philadelphia 76ers, Reed was Joel Embiid’s backup and began 24 video games. In these contests, he posted 10.3 factors, 7.7 rebounds and 1.3 blocks, demonstrating that he might be a helpful beginning heart for the Lakers if Anthony Davis have been injured.
Owed simply $7.7 million this season with a full yr remaining on his $23 million contract, the Lakers might simply put collectively a package deal for him. The Pistons are nonetheless rebuilding, so younger gamers like Max Christie and Maxwell Lewis might be valued in Detroit, permitting the Lakers to retain D’Angelo Russell and their draft picks for a splashier deal.
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