Jim Buss and Mitch Kupchak have spent the past week throwing cold water on any hot ideas Laker fans had of seeing their team improved over the course of this offseason. One name that many had pegged as a potential target was Deron Williams.
Now even before trust fund Buss and GM Mitch started singing the “no major moves” mantra getting Williams into a purple and gold jersey was always looking like a longshot. Then along comes a report stating that Williams has narrowed his list down two teams neither of which is the Lake Show.
According to ESPN Williams is looking at a possible return to New Jersey or would prefer a return to his native Texas by heading to the Dallas Mavericks. The report also claims the Lakers were angling for a sign and trade scenario involving Pau Gasol despite the Nets only having interest in Andrew Bynum.
Can’t say this is at all surprising in any way. The Lakers aren’t as attractive a destination at the moment. Players looking for a ring know going through OKC is even more difficult if you’re wearing a purple and gold jersey. Players looking for a payday know it won’t come from the Buss family as they’re now unwilling to exceed the luxury tax threshold.
Might as well get used to this for the next couple of years. If Kupchak and Buss are not going to make any major moves now while Kobe Bryant still has something left in the tank and Gasol still has some trade value then what they’re saying privately is something they won’t dare say publically. The Lakers are rebuilding and part of that process will be separating from Kobe and his massive contract. With a no trade clause and two more years on his deal it is pretty obvious that the Lakers’ crazy front office is waiting for Kobe to come off the books before moving forward.