The Los Angeles Lakers are thinking long term. The team likes the youth they have on the roster in players like D'Angelo Russell and Julius Randle. Now they just need an established star or two to lead the team into a post-Kobe Bryant transition. As a result, the Lakers are shopping several of their veterans heading into the deadline hoping to garner a big move to set up for the next few seasons. With players like Roy Hibbert, Nick Young and Lou Williams up for grabs, can the Lakers score a deal in the middle of the season?
According to ESPN's Marc Stein, the Lakers are listening to offers on players like Hibbert, Young and Williams. These names have been available since their arrival in Los Angeles and while the expectation is that they could all be gone sooner rather than later, getting a deal complete is proving to be easier said than done. Right now, all three players are in the middle of their worst seasons which hurts their value in the league. Pair that with a contract like the one Young is carrying and all signs point to the Lakers retaining these names past the deadline. However, certain teams are getting desperate for a deal and if the Lakers can offer up an enticing package, they might be able to get something done.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the Lakers do not want to trade for a one-season rental. The team is interested in players that could be around for the long-term which is why they have been linked to deals for guys like Greg Monroe, Al Horford and Markieff Morris. All three players could be around past this year and be huge upgrades to the roster.
For now, the Lakers will hope that their young core develops into better talent. Randle is beginning to find a niche with the team while Russell is still a work in progress. According to head coach Byron Scott, Russell is coming along well and will be starting and finishing more games following the All-Star break. The Lakers need Russell to turn into a star along with Randle. Both were first-round draft picks and are expected to be the future of the franchise. According to Scott, Randle is well on his way.
"I think his progression has come along nicely," Scott said, via ESPN.com. "We had a good little talk yesterday about some of the things that I want him to continue to get better at. He takes those things to heart. He's trying to put them into play. Last night after the game we talked again and I told him the things we talked about that morning he was able to do [in the game] tonight and you see the results."
