Lakers rumors: Conflicting reports cast doubt over Cedi Osman situation

The Los Angeles Lakers have been extraordinarily cautious with their approach to the second apron. Los Angeles is dangerously close to that penalty-ridden salary cap status, and is unlikely to make a decision that gets them closer at this time.

This fact has been generally accepted as a rational approach at this stage of the offseason, but a recent bit of confusion has arisen about a training camp invite that may not have actually been extended.

Nikola Miloradovic of EuroHoops reported on September 7 that the Lakers had offered Osman a training camp invitation. The report included information about Osman's motive for turning the offer down, stating simply that he wants a stronger sense of job security.

Marc Stein of The Stein Line has responded with a conflicting report, stating that the Lakers never offered Osman an invitation to training camp.

"It has been reported in Europe that Turkish swingman Cedi Osman turned down a training camp invite from the Lakers before signing with Panathinaikos in Greece, but sources close to the situation told The Stein Line that no such offer was extended by L.A. despite LeBron James' well-known fondness for Osman dating to their days as Cavaliers teammates."

It's unclear what actually happened with Osman, but there's reason to believe the Lakers will hold off on adding anyone to the roster unless it's via trade.

Lakers reportedly never actually offered Cedi Osman a contract

Osman has signed with Greek team Panathinaikos in hopes of rebuilding his appeal to NBA franchises. Panathinaikos is coming off of a season in which it won the EuroLeague title, meaning the 29-year-old should have ample opportunity to shine in the European spotlight.

Unfortunately, that process has gotten off to a convoluted start, as the Lakers' interest may have been incorrectly reported.

It's entirely possible that the Lakers will make a move for Osman next offseason, when it will have more resources at its disposal. Osman has an existing relationship with LeBron James, who hasn't yet indicated that retirement is an option in 2025.

If Osman plays well in Greece and at EuroLeague, then he could resurface on Los Angeles' radar and become a viable option to help provide depth along the wings.

In the meantime, Los Angeles will move forward with its current core—and a potentially pressing question as a result of Stein's report. Osman might be off the radar, but what does this mean for guard Jordan Goodwin, who was recently invited to the Lakers' training camp?

Goodwin is a high-level defender with the potential to crack the Lakers' rotation, but it appears as though he'll be competing without a real chance to crack the roster.

Goodwin has played the past three seasons in the NBA and has proven himself as a strong defensive player. Los Angeles, meanwhile, has a glaring need for improved consistency on the defensive end of the floor, namely along the perimeter.

The Lakers clearly see value in what Goodwin brings to the table, and may have even been aware of how Osman could've helped, but the rumor mill suggests there's no room for either player.