The Los Angeles Lakers figured to be active players in the trade market, it was just waiting to see what exact move they would be targeting. The team is in need of help across the board as injuries have taken their run on the depth chart. With Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash expected to miss more time than originally assumed, the Lakers have targeted Eric Bledsoe as a potential addition.
ESPN's Chris Broussard reports the Los Angeles Lakers are prepared to make a run at Bledsoe either before the trade deadline or in the offseason. The point guard is entering the final year of his contract and will be a restricted free agent this summer. The Phoenix Suns have toyed with the idea of making Bledsoe available before the trade deadline approaches, but his asking price will be extremely high.
Suns general manager Robert Sarver has stated he would like to bring Bledsoe back this summer no matter what. However, Phoenix is unsure if they can gamble on giving him a max contract that could cripple other potential moves.
"Obviously we don't have a whole lot of money committed for the future, we don't have a lot of long-term contracts on our books. So we'll have no problem stepping up and paying Eric whatever it takes to keep him," Sarver said, via ESPN.com.
Phoenix is trying to think of the future when it comes to the potential Bledsoe deal. Keeping him for the short-term might be a priority considering the Suns are in contention for a playoff spot, but injury history does not work in the guard's favor, leaving the team to remain cautious about what to do.
The trade to acquire Bledsoe has certainly paid off for the Suns, but several teams appear to be interested in his 18 points and 5.8 assists per game. The Lakers are well-aware that they need roster help immediately and for the future, making Bledsoe the perfect target.
Both Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash have suffered injury setbacks that could leave them out for longer than expected. The Los Angeles Times confirms that Bryant is still experiencing significant pain in his knee and will be out until at least after the All-Star break. Nash could miss up to two more weeks are tweaking his already fragile back getting out of bed. Pair those injuries with the absence of Steve Blake and Jordan Farmar and the Lakers have issues.
The chances Los Angeles gets Bledsoe before the trade market are slim to none. The Phoenix Suns are going to put a very heavy price tag on him for any interested team. The Lakers have players and draft picks they could offer up to make a trade favorable for the Suns. However, Los Angeles' season is going nowhere fast and Mitch Kupchak will be very smart about this move.