Los Angeles Lakers Rumors: LaVar Ball is reportedly having a negative impact on the Lakers chances to sign free agents this offseason.
There have been plenty of Los Angeles Lakers rumors in regards to the upcoming offseason. The Lakers have big plans, as Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka are hoping to turn their cap space into two max free agent signings.
There is still some work to be done if that dream is to come to fruition. For starters, the Lakers still need to slash more payroll. Moving Luol Deng would accomplish that, but trading that albatross of a contract is a pipe dream.
Instead, the Lakers have been rumored to have placed Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr. and Julius Randle on the trade block. If the Lakers are intent on signing two max free agents this summer, there is a good chance at least two, if not all three, of those players, is not on the roster.
The Lakers have a young roster that they will look to augment with their free agent plans. Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma look like a solid young trio to build around. Josh Hart has also had solid flashes. Imagine adding the likes of Paul George, LeBron James or DeMarcus Cousins to that group.
That is what Lakers fans are dreaming of. Unfortunately, those dreams may turn into a nightmare if the latest report from Bleacher Report is to be believed.
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According to Ric Bucher of Bleacher Report, the Lakers free agent plans could be torpedoed by none other than LaVar Ball. The outspoken father of Lonzo Ball has reportedly rubbed some players the wrong way, and they do not want to be a part of a team that he criticizes.
"“There are also indications that players around the league have taken note, souring their view of the Lakers as a free-agency destination. One Eastern Conference executive overheard his players saying they had no interest in going to the Lakers “and having some old man criticize us and the team.”"
No one can blame professionals for not wanting to be berated by the father of one of their teammates, especially veterans who have accomplished plenty more than Lonzo has thus far. Given the state of the Lakers, LaVar’s presence could be used as an excuse people would get behind.
Now, this is a report that has to be taken with a grain of salt. As Harrison Faigen of Lakers Nation says, there is a lot that goes into that quote from Bucher. It is a game of telephone, which the original message can be construed and even taken out of context.
There is also some hope for Lakers fans from that quote. As Bucher reports, it was an Eastern Conference executive that shared that insight. While James’ Cleveland Cavaliers play in the Eastern Conference, George and Cousins play for Western Conference teams in the Oklahoma City Thunder and New Orleans Pelicans.
While not landing James would disappoint some Lakers fans, having George and Cousins join the roster would heal some of those wounds.
Next: 10 Greatest Free Agent Signings In Lakers History
There are going to plenty of more rumors from now until free agency this summer. There will be plenty of smoke, but until a player comes out and says they do not want to play for the Lakers and puts pen to paper with a contract with another team, there is still a chance the Lakers can land some max contract free agents.