Much of the attention for the Los Angeles Lakers have been on Anthony Davis. Team president Magic Johnson has been working double time to strike a deal with the New Orleans Pelicans and the word out is that something may be consummated in the days to follow.
The latest offer from the Lakers include Kyle Kuzma, Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson, Michael Beasley, and two first-round picks, the LA Times said. The Lakers are also willing to take over the $12.8 million contract of Solomon Hill, a seemingly overwhelming offer that the Pelicans would be foolish to pass up.
Should the Pelicans bite, such opens the need for Los Angeles to fill up key spots once more. One spot includes the wings, a position that has long been a problem for the purple and gold. According to Hoops Hype, one player who could be headed to Hollywood is Jabari Parker.
According to ESPN, the whole package from the Lakers could center on Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The name of the 25-year-old cager has been often mentioned in trade talks although nothing has gone down. That could all change before the NBA trade deadline this Thursday, Feb. 7.
Getting the second overall pick of the 2014 NBA Draft seems enticing although it raises some questions - particularly on the offensive end. His offensive prowess is suspect, meaning he may not immediately address the outside wing shooting the Lakers are looking for.
Parker is shooting only 34.4-percent from the three-point region in his career and is only 32.5-percent for the season. The Lakers would seem better off with Caldwell-Pope in this case.
But then again, there are several other names in the free agent market that can fill in that 3-and-D void for Los Angeles. Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James' good friend is still available although pundits see it as a death wish with chemistry problems that could arise.
There are other names on the Lakers radar as well. The list includes Reggie Bullock, Terrence Ross, and Wayne Ellington, other familiar names expected to plague NBA headlines in the coming days.
For Parker, the Lakers are an option. He has been relegated to the sidelines ever since the return of Lauri Markannen to the lineup. With a $20 million left on his two-year deal, it will be interesting which other teams would take him in. The Bulls have no intention of buying him out, meaning an NBA trade is the only feasible option for now.
