Jimmy Butler and DeMarcus Cousins (Photo : Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers may not be heading into rebuilding mode this offseason, but rather reloading their lineup in an attempt to immediately get back into the title hunt.
With plenty of young talents in their fold, the Lakers are expected to build around the likes of D'Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle. They also have a realistic shot at drafting LSU's Ben Simmons or Duke's Brandon Ingram if the ping pong balls do their magic for the Lakers.
The Post-Kobe Bryant Era is now over and the Lakers are ready to find the next face of the franchise that has won 16 NBA titles. But apparently, the Lakers do not seem to buy at the idea of putting their hopes in young talents to get back into the NBA map.
"As much as we'd like to build through the draft with young players, that could take 10 to 15 years and we don't feel like we have that kind of timeline in Los Angeles. So our approach has been to build through the draft, be aggressive in free agency and, if you have the assets, then you have the ability to make trades," Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak revealed.
According to Eric Pincus of Basketball Insiders, the Lakers should look at trading their top-three pick and move on from the "business of developing young players" if they really intend to quickly return to contention.
"Players like Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler and Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins may become available via trade," Pincus wrote.
"The Lakers can, mathematically, trade away most of their youth (the potential pick, Randle, Russell, Clarkson, etc.) and veterans (Lou Williams and Nick Young) to try and bring in two players like Butler and Cousins. Not to say it's likely, but going all in at exactly the right time - some in June, some in July - could change the Lakers' fortune."
Butler and Cousins have been involved in plenty of trade talks prior to the deadline in February, but their teams were able to keep hold of them. With both at the center of their respective teams' issues this season, making the available via trade this summer seems likely.
Butler has been rumored to be at the focus of the Bulls' chemistry issues that plagued the team's locker room and probably contributed to a poor season. The two-time All-Star has been deemed untouchable in trade talks, but Bulls executive Gar Forman and vice president of basketball operations John Paxson have made it clear the team will explore all options, which could include a move for Butler.
Wow. Asked about committing to Butler, Forman said, "We have to explore all options. With that said, Jimmy has had a fantastic year."
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) April 14, 2016
Meanwhile, Cousins has been also in the rumor mill this season due to the center's fractured relationship with head coach George Karl. However, the Kings' move to fire Karl suggests Cousins they plan to keep Cousins, although an enticing package of young talents could probably do the trick.
Butler and Cousins in the same team could either spell disaster for the Lakers or opposing NBA teams. Their talents are undeniable and together, they could form an elite duo who could instantly boost the Lakers' chances for another NBA title.
Unlike trade transactions, free agency does not seem to be the Lakers' best chance of acquiring a star as the players are the ones to decide their fate. This makes sense for the Lakers, who have been lacking the charm to lure free agents to don the Purple and Gold.
It may be hard to swallow the fact that players like Russell, Clarkson and Randle, who have shown potentials and huge upside this season, are possible trade pieces for the Lakers in the offseason. But it may not turn out as bad as it sounds if it means pairing Butler and Cousins in LA.
