Chris Broussard of ESPN reported earlier in the week that Stephenson was making very little progress in contract talks with the Indiana Pacers despite wanting to stay. The Lakers were one of three teams showing interest as he began to explore other opportunities:
Stephenson has drawn interest from the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers, although both teams have other free agents prioritized above Stephenson, according to sources. The Boston Celtics have also shown interest in Stephenson, according to a source.
Since that point, LeBron James announced he was heading back home to play for the Cleveland Cavaliers in an exclusive with Lee Jenkins of Sports Illustrated, and Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reported Carmelo Anthony had agreed to a new deal with the New York Knicks.
As for the Lakers, they were hoping to retain Pau Gasol, but it appears a sign-and-trade agreement is now close with the Chicago Bulls. Jesus Sanchez of Marca reports a deal is expected soon so Gasol can undergo his physical before returning to Spain:
Finally, the Catalan power forward will in all probability continue his sporting career with the Chicago Bulls.
The Spaniard has virtually closed the deal with Chicago and will undergo the usual medical tests before returning to Barcelona in the next few days.
Since the Lakers missed out on the two biggest names available and couldn't convince Gasol to re-sign, it would seem to make a run at Stephenson more likely.
The 23-year-old guard averaged nearly 14 points, seven rebounds and a shade under five assists per game while shooting 49 percent from the floor last season. It represented a major step f...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
