The Los Angeles Lakers could make a run for former All-Star point guard Deron Williams if they fail in their pursuit for Boston Celtics playmaker Rajon Rondo, who is reportedly available on the trading block.
The Lakers, who are currently among the cellar-dwellers in the Western Conference standings, have joined a five-team fray (the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, New Orleans Pelicans and Sacramento Kings) to land the service of Rondo, who is averaging 8.3 points, 10.8 assists and 7.5 rebounds per game this season.
According to Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today, the Lakers attempted to entice the Celtics front-office, headed by general manager Danny Ainge, with a trade package consists of multiple picks, Jordan Hill and Steve Nash's $9M expiring contract for the service of Rondo and forward Jeff Green.
However, the NBA insider reported the Celtics management is not interested in the Lakers' offer, with the belief that they can acquire more assets from other suitors.
CBS Sports Ken Berger indicated the Lakers are not an ideal trade destination for Rondo right now, but they are expected to be back in contention when the playmaker hits the free-agency market next summer.
"As for the Lakers, who can offer a top-five protected pick in 2015 and Steve Nash's $9.7 million expiring contract (paid mostly by insurance), they are viewed as more of an option for Rondo in free agency next summer if he is not traded by the Feb. 19 deadline," according to Berger.
Meanwhile, Chat Sports NBA analyst Brian Rauf believes the Lakers might come up with a backup plan of brining instead Deron Williams, who has also been made available by the Brooklyn Nets.
While Williams' contract is much heftier than Rondo, the Lakers might be willing to absorb that massive contract to keep their roster appealing for other free-agents next summer.
"Williams is the backup option if the Lakers strikeout on Rondo. Brooklyn is in the process of overhauling their high-priced roster, and are looking to trade Williams (among others) for younger, cheaper players," Rauf stated.
"He's a former All-Star, but he's dealt with a variety of injuries that have severely hampered his play. Williams has looked more like this old self this year since he's healthy, and would be a definite upgrade to the Lakers' roster. Again, Los Angeles will likely have to give up a draft pick or two to make this happen."
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