Mike Breshnahan of the Los Angeles Times reported via Twitter that Sessions opted not to use his player option and guarantee another year in L.A.
Point guard Ramon Sessions will not exercise a player option to stay with the Lakers and will become a free agent, The Times has learned.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) June 19, 2012
The move does not necessarily mean that Sessions will not be a Laker next season, but now significantly more variables will affect his possible return to Staples Center.
As Lakers’ general manager Mitch Kupchak said, “He did indicate that he was happy here in Los Angeles and that he would look to return. But once again, once the market comes into play, there’s no telling what will happen,” via Mike Trudell of the Lakers’ official blog.
Kupchak also said, “I suppose we could look to fill that position between now and July 1 via a trade, or we can wait until July 1 and pursue Ramon, or perhaps another free agent, although we’re limited with the exceptions available to us,” in Trudell’s same post.
The general manager is not opposed to making bold moves, and he was the one who sent Shaquille O’Neal to the Miami Heat. Kupchak also traded Pau Gasol for Chris Paul prior to this season, before the NBA vetoed the trade.
In order for the Lakers to win another championship, Kupchak should not waste his time chasing after Sessions. Instead, he should work on orchestrating another deal to bring a top-level point guard to Los Angeles.
There has been no official talk from the Lakers’ front office regarding other available playmakers, but both Deron Williams and Steve Nash are free agents this summer.
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Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
