Lakers Trade Rumors: Indiana, Charlotte Interested in Lou Williams

Jan 20, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Louis Williams (23) drives to the basket against Indiana Pacers guard Monta Ellis (11) during the fourth quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Louis Williams (23) drives to the basket against Indiana Pacers guard Monta Ellis (11) during the fourth quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

The Indiana Pacers and the Charlotte Hornets are the latest of several teams reportedly interested in acquiring Lou Williams before Thursday’s trade deadline.

Pretty slow news day in Laker land, wouldn’t you say? The trade front has been relatively quiet, the team has a few days off and there has been a disturbing lack of Woj bombs in the air. Oh, and the Lakers blew up their front office. Other than that, nothing big.

The timing of the Magic Johnson hire was interesting to put it kindly. With just a couple of days before the trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers decided to relieve former President of Basketball Operations Jim Buss, general manager Jim Buss and public relations president John Black.

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Johnson will slide into Jim’s role, as expected, but the general manager position once vacated by Kupchak is still vacant. The hope is that assistant general manager Ryan West will aid all moves the new front office makes ahead of the trade deadline but according to Magic Johnson, he has been making all of the calls thus far. That’s alarming.

Magic will have his hands full because of the several teams interested in trading for former Sixth Man of the Year, Lou Williams. Teams like the Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz have already reportedly expressed interest, however, the list of teams is only growing. The Charlotte Hornets are “aggressively pursuing” Williams, according to ESPN’s Chris Haynes.

The Indiana Pacers are also a team believed to have inquired about Sweet Lou, according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne. Both teams have their own first-rounders, as well as expiring contracts the Lakers could be interested in.

It would be genuinely surprising to see Lou Williams on the roster past Thursday’s deadline, but with the front office shakeup, it wouldn’t be out of the question.

Next: Is Magic Johnson the next Jerry West?

But what do you guys think? Will Lou be moved at the deadline? Could Indiana or Charlotte use him? Let us know in the comments below!

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