The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly open to trading Julius Randle in a bid to acquire Sacramento Kings star DeMarcus Cousins.
The Lakers have been linked with a move for the Kings center as reports continue to suggest that coach George Karl is willing to trade him as the situation rumbles on.
Sacramento owner Vivek Ranadive has insisted that the 24-year-old will not be leaving this summer as the front office see him as a crucial part of their plans for the future, but the tension is certainly growing with Karl.
While that situation continues to unfold, the Lakers are busying an offer and that has reportedly seen Randle included as well as their pick for Thursday’s Draft.
“Julius Randle is in play, according to an NBA source, as well as the No.2 pick in Cousins trade talk,” Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated reported.
If the Lakers are willing to offer their number two overall pick and their ‘rookie’, then that could arguably be enough to convince the Kings to deal their All-Star.
Many would argue that that would be a smart move for the Lakers as they look to become competitive as soon as possible, and adding Cousins to their roster would give them one of the most talented big men in the league.
Combined with Kobe Bryant and other possible free agency additions, it could be a significant move for the franchise this summer but it remains to be seen who wins the power battle in Sacramento.
Aside from the Draft pick and Randle, the Lakers are short on assets. If that isn’t enough to persuade the Kings to talk, then it is more than likely that the front office will press ahead with their plans to rebuild with a longer term vision.
That would then see them acquire Jahlil Okafor in the Draft on Thursday night, with the former Duke star then paired up with Randle in the front court while Bryant and Jordan Clarkson likely to play key roles next year with free agency additions adding further quality and depth.
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