Fast forward 168 years since the last Gold Rush (1849) and it seems there is a new Gold Rush with players seeking to play out west in the NBA, particularly Los Angeles.
It’s been quite a while since Los Angeles has been a destination city for NBA stars. But with the Clippers hitting their heads against the Finals wall and the Lakers’ new front office, there is a ton of buzz about the possibilities.
Lakers fans still stung by the NBA negating the Chris Paul trade relish the fact the Clippers haven’t been able to get to the NBA Finals. Blake Griffin seems to get hurt a lot and usually in the post season. which doesn’t help.
Griffin will be available as a free agent this summer, he may want to come to the Lakers, but he is already on the west coast and we don’t think the Lakers need an injury-prone athlete.
Paul George has expressed his desire to play for the Lakers, or at least the fact that he is done in Indiana. Not only is PG interested, but Lakers fans were also recruiting him during a visit to Disney Land and Magic Johnson told Jimmy Kimmel that he was going to go after George with a humongous wink and a nod.
I repeat: Paul George - barring a title chance in Indy - is hell-bent on heading for Laker Land. This message has been sent throughout NBA.
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) February 23, 2017
Magic Johnson on Paul George (Jimmy Kimmel Interview) #Lakeshow pic.twitter.com/qJr4N5Ex9m
— Lakers Empire (@LakersEmpire) April 26, 2017
The latest name in conversations across social media is Kyle Lowry, who has been vocal about coming to a Western Conference team. Lowry has said he wants a ring. He also explained that he feels the Cavs with LeBron James is difficult to get past in the Eastern Conference.
Lowry was the difference-maker on his team and clocked his most prolific season yet, averaging 22.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game.
What does Lowry want most? “A ring.” Can he do it in Toronto? “I think I can do it anywhere I am."
— (((Eric Koreen))) (@ekoreen) May 8, 2017
Kyle Lowry considering signing with a Western Conference team this offseason (ESPN).
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 7, 2017
DeMarcus “Boogie” Cousins‘ name came up a ton as last season’s trade deadline approached and that trend continues. Lakers fans are still calling for a Paul George/Boogie Cousins duo in LA.
Cousins coming to the Lakers almost happened last season when the Kings reportedly tried to trade Boogie for Brandon Ingram. But that never came to be, so it would have to be a trade with New Orleans or wait a year until he is a free agent.
Kings wanted Brandon Ingram in a trade package for Cousins, but Lakers refused to include him, league sources tell @TheVertical.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 20, 2017
We would be remiss not to mention Phil Jackson’s prize possession, Kristaps Porzingis. Porzingis tweeted out “LA Clippers” with three smiley face emojis. One would think he was hinting he wanted to come out west.
The Tweet disappeared quickly off of Twitter, but that didn’t stop Draymond Green from calling him out on saying his phone was hacked. Maybe he is also interested in the Lakers?
https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/861011022294925312
Draymond Green to Kristaps Porzingis: ‘You lying, bro. You weren’t hacked’ https://t.co/AbVf86GZ6n
— Kurt Helin (@basketballtalk) May 9, 2017
Must Read: More on the Lake Show Life from Shereen Rayan.....
Only time will tell what Magic can be spun up to get two legit legendary players to the Lakers to get us to the playoffs. One will not cut it. This is just the beginning of the Gold Rush folks; there is a lot of gold to mine in the west!