Lakers News: Insider Believes LA Could Still Trade For Longtime Target
Recently, contract extension negotiations had broken down between the Indiana Pacers and ace marksman shooting guard Buddy Hield this summer, to the point where Hield demanded a trade out of town.
Naturally, we here at All Lakers began rampantly speculating as to whether that could mean a longtime Los Angeles Lakers trade target could finally don the Purple and Gold.
Shams Charania of The Rally (via Bally Sports) recently spoke to the Lakers' prior interest in Hield, seemingly suggesting that it remained, albeit very obtusely.
“I think you can look at any contending team. The Lakers were long rumored for Buddy Hield," Charania said. "You look at teams like [the] Dallas [Mavericks], [Philadelphia 76ers], [and] Milwaukee [Bucks]. Those are the types of teams that could definitely use a shooter like Buddy Hield."
Hield had been a trade target for Los Angeles from the 2022 offseason up to the weeks ahead of the 2023 trade deadline. The 6'4" wing confirmed that he did indeed almost become a Laker last offseason.
“It did [come close to happening],” Hield told NBA.com's Mark Medina of a rumored 2022 offseason trade to Los Angeles. “Talking to my agents and the media, of course. The media knows more than the agent and team, basically. But it didn’t happen. So, I’m still here. I’m still in the league and have an opportunity to play basketball. That’s the fun about it.”
At this point of the offseason, trading for Hield's salary doesn't make a ton of sense for the Lakers. The obvious player whose contract would be a fit is the newly re-signed D'Angelo Russell (Los Angeles added a better point guard, ex-Miami Heat starter Gabe Vincent, for less money than it paid D-Lo), earning $17.3 million this year, which is a stone's throw from Hield's $18.6 million. However, as a fresh summer signing, Russell can't be moved until mid-December.
If Hield remains available, a deal might be worth revisiting then.
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