The Los Angeles Lakers are still unsure about where they stand in the race for Carmelo Anthony. The team put on the hard sell to the guard in hopes that they could persuade him to take less money and sign with the team. That remains to be seen, leaving the Lakers to pursue other options as a backup plan.
The Lakers continue to be linked to a trade for guard Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors. He was originally unavailable. The Warriors were unwilling to include him in a trade for forward Kevin Love which is why the Minnesota Timberwolves broke off negotiations. However, Thompson might be back on the market now. The Warriors just signed point guard Shaun Livingston to a deal, meaning Thompson's future is uncertain at best.
According to Bleacher Report, Livingston maximizes the potential of Stephen Curry more than Thompson does. He constantly misses Curry when he is open and having Livingston come off the bench and constantly get Curry his shot will help the Warriors more. Thompson has high value on the open market and the Warriors cold get a solid return on him. ESPN.com has linked the Lakers to a deal, but they do not have much to give up for him.
The same goes for a potential deal with Jeremy Lin. A month prior, NBA sources linked the Lakers as a potential dumping spot for Lin. However, the point guard is still on the roster after the NBA Draft and the Lakers are not keen on giving up next year's draft picks for the point guard no matter how much they need him.
The Lakers could seek out a deal for Greg Monroe. The Detroit Pistons restricted free agent could be on the move. With drama surrounding him and Josh Smith, the team might be willing to let Monroe go considering the interest around him. The Lakers are at risk of losing Pau Gasol to free agency with pressure coming from the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls. Monroe would be an excellent replacement.
Another affordable free agent could be Spencer Hawes who would also serve as a replacement to Gasol. The Cleveland Cavaliers are hoping to retain the center for the long-term but if the Lakers come with a sales pitch, he might be willing to sign.
The Lakers have made Anthony and potentially LeBron James are their main priorities over the next few days. Until they get a decision from the guard, they will not make any other moves on the open market.'
