Los Angeles Lakers rumors: Team had no chance to acquire Derrick Rose from Detroit Pistons
Recent Los Angeles Lakers rumors involve Derrick Rose, whom the team attempted to acquire from the Detroit Pistons but was never truly made available.
Los Angeles Lakers rumors have dominated the headlines in recent weeks. With the NBA Trade Deadline passing before the All-Star break and the buyout market shortly after, there have been plenty of Lakers rumors floating around.
Los Angeles had clear needs heading into the deadline. They were looking for a wing defender, a floor-spacing big man and someone who could create their own shot.
Marcus Morris was atop that list. The Lakers went head to head with the LA Clippers for his services, and ultimately, it was the Clippers who landed him from the New York Knicks prior to the deadline.
The Lakers finally dipped into the buyout market recently, as they were able to sign Marcus’ twin brother, Markieff Morris after he was bought out by the Detroit Pistons. Markieff will take the roster spot of DeMarcus Cousins, who had been ruled out for the remainder of the season but will continue rehabbing with the organization.
However, Morris isn’t the only Piston that Rob Pelinka and company were targeting. According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, on the Hoop Collective Podcast, he revealed that the Lakers were looking hard into acquiring Derrick Rose.
Rose would fit the team’s need for another ball-handler and someone that can create their own offense. He is having an excellent bounceback season in Detroit, averaging 18 points, 5.7 assists, 2.4 rebounds and 0.8 steals per game.
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On a per-36 minute basis, Rose is actually performing better this season than he did when he won the MVP award for the 2010-11 season. So, it makes sense that the Lakers would check in on him.
While they did their due diligence, Windhorst revealed that they really had no chance to land Rose in a trade leading up to the deadline. The Lakers did in fact call the Pistons about trading for Rose, but they let it be known that while they appreciated the call, they were not looking to trade him. Head coach Dwane Casey likes him and the Pistons believe he will be an important contributor to the team next season.
That eye toward the next season is another reason that Rose was never going to get bought out. He is signed to a favorable contract, as he will earn just under $7.7 million next season. Even if he plays in only 65 games, his production blows away that price.
While Rose is someone that could have helped the Lakers, and they looked into all avenues trying to acquire him, the Pistons just didn’t make him available.
For now, it looks like the Lakers roster is set for the remainder of the season. Dion Waiters and J.R. Smith are two players the team has been linked to, so they could potentially be brought in.
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Maurice Harkless, if he gets bought out by the Knicks, would be someone the Lakers would target as well.