Lakers News: East Wing Shunned Sign-And-Trade To LA…
The Los Angeles Lakers missed out on another free agent when Buddy Hield decided to join the Golden State Warriors on a sign-and-trade with the Philadelphia 76ers. Hield considered the Lakers and the Detroit Pistons but ultimately chose the Warriors instead.
Hield reportedly chose the Warriors for a better opportunity to win than the Pistons and Lakers, per The Athletic’s Shams Charania. He’s an especially important addition for the Warriors after they lost Klay Thompson.
This is another player this week who has cited wanting to win as choosing a different team over the Lakers after Thompson chose the Dallas Mavericks in part for this reason. Thompson’s choice made more sense though, as the Mavericks are coming off an NBA Finals run.
Meanwhile, the Lakers actually are coming off a better season than the Warriors. Still, the Warriors have had more titles over the last decade, which could have been the reason.
The 31-year-old Hield spent the latter part of the 2024 season with the Philadelphia 76ers after he was traded from the Indiana Pacers. He has also played for the Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans. With the 76ers in 2024, Hield averaged 12.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game.
With Hield no longer available, DeMar DeRozan remains one of the top free agents on the market. The Lakers are currently one of the favorites to sign the former Chicago Bull and six-time NBA All-Star.
READ MORE:
Sacramento Kings Consider Trading DeMar DeRozan Amid Interest from Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers
The Sacramento Kings are looking into trading DeMar DeRozan, as reported by Barry Jackson from the Miami Herald. DeRozan, who’s a six-time All-Star, wants to join the Miami Heat, but money might make that hard. Still, other teams like the Los Angeles Lakers are interested in him as a free agent.
At 34 years old, DeRozan has shown no signs of decline, maintaining impressive statistics with the Chicago Bulls last season: averaging 24.0 points and 5.3 assists per game while playing the highest minutes per game in the league.
The Bulls, meanwhile, are open to exploring a sign-and-trade, with discussions potentially involving Sacramento’s Harrison Barnes or Kevin Huerter, both of whom the Kings are reportedly looking to move.
Sacramento, despite recent player acquisitions like Malik Monk and Jalen McDaniels, seeks to bolster its roster with an experienced scorer like DeRozan.
The Kings, led by general manager Monte McNair, have been competitive in the tough Western Conference but have struggled to make deep playoff runs, with only one first-round appearance in recent years.
While talks between Sacramento and Chicago have yet to yield a deal, the Kings remain poised to engage further should DeRozan’s other suitors lose interest. With a history of playoff experience and scoring prowess, DeRozan represents a valuable asset for any team looking to strengthen its roster for the upcoming season.