Lakers rumors number one: Lakers trying to make run for Davis Bertans.
The Lakers rumor:
Davis Bertans is having a career year with the Washington Wizards this season and would be the perfect addition for the Lakers. He is averaging 15 points on the strength of 43% from distance.
The Wizards theoretically would move Bertans at the deadline because he is an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season and they wouldn’t want to let him walk without receiving anything in return.
A potential trade would be Davis Bertans for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Talen Horton-Tucker, and multiple 2nd round picks.
For the Wizards, this trade could land Horton-Tucker, who potentially could turn into an impactful player at a price that provides cap flexibility. With the 2nd round picks, hopefully, they can get lucky.
For the Lakers, Bertans would be the “shooter” that the media always states that LeBron James needs. Also, Bertans is an outstanding catch-and-shoot 3-point shooter so he would be a nice option if Danny Green continues to struggle.
Lakers’ reality:
This deal is not happening for many reasons. We’ll just brush past the fact that KCP would even entertain waiving his no-trade clause to leave the top team in the Western Conference for a cellar-dwelling Wizards team in the Eastern Conference.
Talen Horton-Tucker was coveted by the Lakers in the draft. Hence the fact that they made a trade to get a pick in the second round. Then throw in the fact that he is tearing up the G-League with the South Bay Lakers, there’s no chance of the Lakers letting go of this young prospect.
Finally, what 2nd round picks? If they have any, Rob Pelinka would be smart to keep them.