The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to the big fish on the NBA trade market ahead of Thursday’s deadline. Obviously, we’re talking about New Orleans Pelicans All-Star Anthony Davis.
While that trade could certainly get done here in the next couple days, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst is reporting that the Lakers have another big-name player on their mind.
The NBA insider notes that Los Angeles has been in talks with the Chicago Bulls about disgruntled forward Jabari Parker. According to Windhorst, a trade could get done here soon. It’s all about whether Lakers veteran Kentavious Caldwell-Pope would approve of the deal. He currently has a no-trade clause.
Parker, 23, has been an enigma since signing a one-year, $20 million deal with the Bulls in free agency. In fact, the former top-two pick has been in and out of Chicago’s rotation all season.
Though, he’d be an interesting addition for the Lakers. Parker is still averaging 14.3 points and 6.2 rebounds per game on the season. If the Lakers were to move both Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma in a trade for Davis, they’d need more front-court depth.
Making this more interesting is the fact that Parker’s contract calls for a $20 million team option for next season. Caldwell-Pope himself is set to become a free agent this coming summer.