Around this time of the season, the Los Angeles Lakers are usually exploring trades that will help in the second half of the season and in the postseason; however, this season comes with a change in philosophy.
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The Lakers are still in the trade rumors and listening to offers, but they are doing so to focus on the future rather than a playoff push. They currently sit at 18-35 and are 13 games out of a playoff position, making the team sellers rather than buyers this trade deadline.
According to Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal, the Cleveland Cavaliers have shown interest in one of the Lakers’ big men:
The Cavs previously discussed acquiring Chris Kaman from the Los Angeles Lakers, league sources said, but those talks have stalled.
Kaman was signed to a one-year deal in the off-season, but found himself out of head coach Mike D’Antoni’s rotation and at one point went nine games without playing. He has been thrust into a starting role recently with the Pau Gasol injury and has taken advantage of his time on the court. Kaman has a double-double in three consecutive games, scoring as much as 27 points in a loss to the Chicago Bulls. The 31-year-old is a skilled offensive player that can score in the post and with his midrange jumper. On the season, Kaman is averaging 10.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per game in just under 19 minutes a game. He has played in just 27 of the team’s 43 games and has started in nine of those games.
Other teams have shown interest in Kaman and the Lakers would be open to a trade, especially one that can bring them young talent or a draft pick. Thursday is the trade deadline, meaning the team’s roster may look significantly different come Friday. Kaman, Gasol, Steve Blake and Jordan Hill have all been in trade rumors recently and could find themselves on a new team very soon.
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