Report: Los Angeles Lakers Among ‘Top Suitors’ for 2-Time All-Star

The Los Angeles Lakers are dealing with too many injuries at the moment, and they could really use an All-Star at the moment. Anthony Davis is out due to his injury and Alex Caruso suffered a concussion in Friday’s win over the Indiana Pacers. Marc Gasol is out due to health and safety protocols.

It looks like the front office may be asking for help. Shams Charania from The Athletic reported that Pelinka is among the “top suitors” for two-time All-Star Andre Drummond. However, the Lakers will need to reach a buyout with the Cavaliers. The franchise may not try to get Drummond thhrough a trade. Cleveland would probably demand something in return through a deadline contract.

“The Lakers and Nets are believed to be Drummond’s top suitors should he receive a contract buyout after the trade deadline, but the Cavaliers are steadfast about finding a trade for the center,” Charania noted. “The Knicks have also explored the possibility of adding Drummond, and potentially offering him a multiyear deal as a free agent via buyout, sources said. The Cavaliers have so far sought an asset back in any Drummond deal — such as a second-round pick, sources said — but rival teams are skeptical about Cleveland’s ability to find one in a trade. Drummond is on an expiring contract worth $28.7 million.”

LA Lakers to snatch the All-Star

The Lakers would have to give up on some players to get Drmmond through a deal. Will LA beat the Nets if Drummond enters the open market?

P.J. Tucker is also an option. LA may need to make a deal for Tucker. Several NBA teams have shown interest in getting the Houston Rockets veteran.

“The Rockets remain engaged with several teams — including Milwaukee, Miami and the Lakers — but sources say Houston’s desire for a young talented player has set a strong price in any potential deal for the 35-year-old forward,” Charania detailed. “The Nets had pursued Tucker, a deal that would have required injured starting guard Spencer Dinwiddie’s contract, but sources say Brooklyn is no longer believed to be involved in the Tucker market.”

Adrian Wojnarowski and Tim MacMahon said Tucker will probably skip the upcoming games on the Rockets’ schedule. He is still waiting for a deal.