Russell Westbrook and DeMarcus Cousins. (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers aren't interested anymore in pursuing any trade talks involving DeMarcus Cousins and Russell Westbrook, as they shift their attention towards the development of their young players next season.
According to reliable team insider, Jim Buss and general manager Mitch Kupchak now have a different mindset heading into the next season.
While trading for bonifide stars like Cousins and Westbrook remains an intriguing option, the Lakers executives are very optimistic on the upside of their young core with D'Angelo Russell, Brandon Ingram and Julius Randle.
The Lakers will give their youngsters all the time in the world to build chemistry and grow under the tutelage of first-year head coach Luke Walton. Making the postseason isn't much a priority right now, but these kids nevertheless need to show that they are ready to take the next step.
With regards to Westbrook, the Lakers' interest in the California native hasn't subsided, though they prefer the wise route by waiting for him to hit the free-agency market rather than throwing away their assets for a potential one-year rental players.
Cousins has two more years in his contract, and the Lakers can revive their trade talks with the Kings anytime, should the development of their youngsters hit a snag. But for the time being, it appears the Lakers are backing off from any trade negotiations concerning these superstars.
Basketball Insider salary cap analyst Eric Pincus projected the Lakers to have $31.7 million in salary cap next season - which is enough to attract at least one max player. The team can even create a cap space as much as $13.4 million but they need to get rid off Nick Young's salary (waive and stretch provision).
"Thus far, the Lakers have protected some cap space for 2017. To get to $13.4 million in cap space this summer, the team would need to waive and stretch Nick Young's salary, although that would negatively impact their 2017 space."
Right now, the Lakers have $6.1 million in cap space and they are reportedly targeting several veterans still available on the free-agency pool, such as Lance Stephenson, Josh Smith and the returning Larry Sanders.
