Ultimately, they left with the swap meet with nearly everything they brought with them, save for veteran guard Steve Blake, who was shipped off to the Golden State Warriors for fading prospects MarShon Brooks and Kent Bazemore.
For this dream-big franchise, moving just one piece when so many were reportedly in play felt like a disappointment. Now, word is leaking about just how close some of those other dominoes came to dropping.
According to Jake Pavorsky of LibertyBallers.com, the Lakers nearly pried guard-forward Evan Turner "and multiple second round picks" away from the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Chris Kaman's expiring contract. ESPN.com's Ramona Shelburne had reported the two teams discussing Kaman in the final hours leading up to Thursday's deadline:
Sources told Pavorsky that Turner and Kaman were the tip of the iceberg in the framework of an even larger deal:
The deal had the potential to go far beyond Kaman and Turner, as those within Thaddeus Young's camp believe he was involved in trade talks as well. Both the Sixers and Lakers were looking to be compensated with a first round pick, but were unable to find a third team willing to give up their top pick to make the deal work.
Nothing, of course, ever materialized between the teams. Turner eventually found his way to the Indiana Pacers in a last-minute exchange, Kaman returned to his oversized seat on L.A.'s sideline and Thaddeus Young was left to stick it out on Philly's gutted roster.
So, why does this rumor come to light after it's no longer possible?
Well, part of it's wrapping up a loose end by an inquisitive mind. If Shelburne's report of the rumored talks really piqued someone's interest, there may be some closure in knowing ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
