The Los Angeles Lakers may have not moved anyone before the NBA trade deadline, but there were reportedly teams interested in a potential deal for their young core. This was confirmed no less by Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak.
Even though word about such is nothing new, players like Jordan Clarkson, D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, and Larry Nance Jr. have always been expected to reel in heavy interest. Unfortunately the Lakers are standing pat on their decision to keep them, although all that could change by the offseason.
Of the mix, only two seem to be in good graces and have opted to stay mum on possible issues from within.
Russell and Randle have had their issues with head coach Byron Scott, although the former seems to be more in the hot seat than the sophomore forward.
For now, the rookie guard will have to ride out the remainder of the season under Scott's mentorship, but hearing of a possible trade involving Russell from here on will no longer be surprising.
Would any of the young turks end up in trades in the offseason? It all depends on what happens to the Lakers.
The only thing clear now is that Kobe Bryant will be retiring and that some of its veterans are likely to be shopped. Roy Hibbert will likely be dangled, same with Lou Williams, Nick Young, and Brandon Bass.
The vets were at the forefront of a possible trade, but nothing materialized for the purple and gold. All that will change once the 2015–16 NBA season ends for the Lakers.
The first order of business is likely to clear cap space to make a go for top free agents. With Bryant no longer around, the Lakers could have better chances this time around. That top player they may get will likely be the new face of the franchise.
How about Scott? A wild forecast is that the Lakers will see how the team functions with him at the helm for the first 10 games of the 2016–17 NBA season. If the Lakers continue to fall, expect him to be a casualty. It will be similar to what happened to Kevin McHale of the Houston Rockets earlier this season.
