The Lakers have not been shy about their desire to acquire a point guard, and recent rumors have them linked with the veteran Kyle Lowry.
Kyle Lowry is a name to watch for the Lakers, per @jovanbuha
“According to team and league sources, Kyle Lowry, who could be available if he’s bought out by Charlotte after being traded there from Miami this week, is one name to watch for the Lakers.”
(Via… pic.twitter.com/5S0IIXv1N5
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 26, 2024
NBA Rumors: Lakers Interested in Veteran Point Guard
Kyle Lowry to the Lakers?
The possibility of Lowry joining the Lakers was revealed by the Athletic’s Jovan Buha this morning.
Lowry was recently traded to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Terry Rozier III. Now 37 years old and in his 19th NBA season, Lowry and the Hornets have expressed a mutual interest in parting ways.
Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak was asked by Sports Illustrated’s Schuyler Callihan if the team planned to move on from the six-time All-Star.
“He’s got to report, he’s got to pass a physical, it’s going to take a couple of days. I can’t say that’s something we would look to accomplish right away. It may be that we wait to see what happens out of respect to him and what he’s accomplished in this league. Maybe we wait to see the trade deadline pass, rather than have him relocate and start something that may not take place. I think that’s probably what we’ll do but don’t know for sure. That seems to make the most sense.”
The Hornets will struggle to find a trade partner for Lowry, given his massive contract. Although the deal expires this summer, Lowry is set to make around $29.7 million this year.
Lowry was a crucial component of the 2018-19 Toronto Raptors. That team won the championship, defeating the Golden State Warriors. Lowry performed well in the playoffs, averaging 15 points, 6.6 assists, and 4.9 rebounds.
His experience at the highest level could prove valuable to a Lakers team that has remained undeterred in their championship ambitions, despite their subpar season so far.
More Point Guards
Los Angeles has been linked with various point guards. Just last week, Buha reported that the Atlanta Hawks had held trade discussions with the Lakers regarding Dejounte Murray.
LA has continued to push for a trade centered around D’Angelo Russell as part of the deal. Atlanta has stalled the conversation for now.
Buha added that the Hawks have asked for Austin Reaves instead of Russell.
“The latest holdup has been the Hawks asking for Reaves instead of Russell, which is a nonstarter for the Lakers, and then wanting Russell re-routed to a third team if he remains in the trade. In the event the Lakers acquire Murray, Russell will almost certainly be included. That’s where talks stand as of now.”
Russell has averaged a team-high 27.4 points per game since being inserted back into the starting lineup on January 13th.
Despite his improved production, the Lakers are only 4-3 since Russell returned to a starting role. Russell is averaging 16.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 6.2 assists on the season.
