Recent Los Angeles Lakers rumors peg them as the favorites to land Phoenix Suns power forward Marquese Chriss.
Los Angeles Lakers rumors have been peculiarly quiet leading up to the NBA Trade Deadline. With less than 24 hours until the deadline, there is still no clear indication in which direction the Lakers will go in.
Given their recent success on the court, the team is reportedly reconsidering their stance on clearing salary. The Lakers have won 11 of their last 15 games as the youngsters are beginning to come together.
As a result, the team may not be as determined to clear salary to become players in this year’s free agent market. Instead, the Lakers can stay the course and look to jump into the free agent market in 2019.
Whatever the Lakers decide to do, they can still make moves leading up to Thursday’s deadline, and that is exactly what it sounds like they intend to do.
According to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, the Lakers are the favorites to land Phoenix Suns’ forward, Marquese Chriss.
For what it’s worth, seems the Phoenix Suns are looking at deals involving Marquese Chriss. Several teams seem to be involved, with the Lakers being considered the Favorites.
— Steve Kyler (@stevekylerNBA) February 7, 2018
At first glance, this is a move that would make sense. Chriss is a former top-10 pick that has not lived up to expectations. Getting some new scenery could help the former Washington product realize his potential. At only 20-years old, he still has plenty of time to develop.
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However, adding a power forward seems to be the least of the Lakers needs. Julius Randle has emerged as the starting power forward. Kyle Kuzma is having an excellent rookie season. Larry Nance Jr. provides a defensive and rebounding presence off the bench.
Adding a fourth person to that rotation wouldn’t make sense. So, it would be fair to wonder if some of the Lakers frontcourt logjam would be heading to Phoenix in the return package.
Randle and Nance Jr. have been a part of trade rumors for a while now. Could they be a part of a package going to Phoenix?
Adding another power forward without clearing some off the roster wouldn’t make much sense. As the reported front-runners for Chriss, it would be fair to assume that there are other deals being discussed to open up some roster space and playing time.
Chriss is averaging 7.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.0 block per game in 21 minutes of play. His scoring is down, but the other three statistics are all improved upon his rookie season. He would bring a lot of similarities to the table as Nance Jr., so this would seem to be a lateral move for the Lakers if it is made.
Next: 4 Possible Trade Destinations For Julius Randle
The biggest difference between the two is age. While Nance Jr. is 25-years old, Chriss is only 20. Is that enough of a reason to shake up a team finally beginning to find its footing and chemistry? It is something we will find out within the next day.