A number of rumors have floated that the Lakers are negotiating with Portland for the third pick. Although inquiries were made, the Jazz were able to intercede. Between the Hornets and Bobcats, it would seem that more progress has been made with New Orleans though there's still plenty of time before June 28th's draft. It's not clear if the Blazers would move down four additional slots after executing their deal with the Jazz.
A Big Trade?
One of the Lakers' biggest weaknesses last season was defense at point guard. With the triangle offense in play, a traditional point becomes less of a priority. LA is likely to look for a combination guard in free agency who can defend at the point position. In the meantime, The Lakers are looking to dramatically improve their inside presence, primarily on the defensive side of the ball. Although they're in discussion with a number of teams; a couple of deals may have some legs. One needs to be kept quiet throughout the negotiation process as to prevent any complications. The Lakers have seemingly learned from the Carlos Boozer situation at the trade deadline. Note this secretive deal is not with the Jazz.
The other negotiation is slightly less sensitive. The Lakers are exploring a deal with the Hornets sending Jamaal Magloire and PJ Brown to LA for Caron Butler and ending contracts. Such a deal is not likely to be executed until after June when Magloire's base year compensation status expires.
Such a deal would look something like Jamaal Magloire and PJ Brown for Caron Butler, Vlade Divac, Chucky Atkins and Jumaine Jones. Also in discussion is LA sending the 10th and 17th picks to New Orleans for the 4th pick in the draft.
Should both deals get done, the Lakers could be looking at the following lineup on opening day:
PG: Mid-level exception signing, Sasha Vujacic
SG: Kobe Bryant
SF: Lamar Odom\Gerald Green\Luke Walton (who the team expects back)
PF: PJ Brown\Jonathan Bender\Brian Cook
C: Jamaal Magloire\Chris Mihm\Brian Grant
Although weak at guard (other than Bryant) and relying on a solid acquisition at the point, the Lakers would have a very flexible lineup. Odom and Bender are both capable at either forward position. Green could back up Bryant at shooting guard, depending on how quickly the high school player develops.
The likelihood of Laker GM Mitch Kupchak being able to pull off such a deal is slim. No franchise is looking to help the Lakers return to prominence. That said, teams look out for their own self-interest especially when finances are involved. Would the Hornets be willing to move Brown and Magloire for Butler and roughly $20 million in savings over the next two seasons? Such a move could keep the Hornets under the cap for the next two off-seasons if they play their cards right.
Magloire is coming off of a down season as he struggled to recover from a badly broken finger. He expressed some reservations about New Orleans to a Toronto paper in which the Canadian native expressed a desire to play for his country's only remaining NBA franchise. The Hornets are more than two years away from competing so losing Magloire may not be such a devastating blow. Likely they ask for Chris Mihm in return, but if Kupchak plays his cards right, the Hornets may be more eager to move the salaries. Although PJ Brown is highly regarded by the fans and the Hornet organization, getting out of the final two years of his contract may make too much financial sense for the Hornets.
Just how far this negotiation has gone is not clear at this point. The Hornets are said to be very high on Caron Butler. The addition of both Laker picks could provide New Orleans with a pair of young players under rookie contracts willing to put in the work to return the franchise to a playoff level.
