Their plans for the entirety of this offseason may hinge on one player, however: DeMarcus Cousins. Rumors emerged near the draft suggesting that the team had interest in acquiring the star center, and they haven't gone away. Mark Heisler of the Los Angeles Daily News reported that the team would be willing to send Russell to the Sacramento Kings as a part of a trade package for Cousins, per a league source.
If the Lakers land Cousins, it could alter how they approach free agency. According to Chris Broussard of ESPN, the Lakers are a top-four destination for both DeAndre Jordan and LaMarcus Aldridge, but the team would surely see no need for Jordan if it acquires Cousins.
And a player like Aldridge or Kevin Love—both accustomed to being top-two options for their teams—might hesitate to join a squad that already possesses two elite options like Cousins and Kobe Bryant.
Or at least two players who perceive themselves to be elite options. The jury is still out on Bryant still being elite at this point in his career.
On the other hand, with Cousins in tow and Julius Randle returning from a leg injury, the Lakers might want to focus their money on other positions in this particular scenario. One player who could be intriguing for the team is Jimmy Butler, who reportedly wants to sign a short-term contract with the Lakers, per Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News.
Butler is a restricted free agent, of course, and the Bulls would likely match any offer he signs to ensure that he stays in Chicago. The Lakers would have to sign him to at least a two-year deal as wel...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
