That hasn't happened so far and the number of available players capable of stepping into a major role is beginning to dwindle. It's reignited the popular debate about whether the Lakers' brand is starting to lose some of its longtime luster.
Beyond the search for more star power, Los Angeles also needs to make some depth pickups before next season. So let's check out some of the latest buzz surrounding the team a couple days into free agency.
DeMarcus Cousins
A Cousins trade to the Lakers seemed to pick up some steam leading up to the draft. He represented an ideal fit after averaging 24.1 points and 12.7 rebounds for the Sacramento Kings last season and L.A. had a lot of assets, including that No. 2 pick.
Ultimately, the sides couldn't come to an agreement and the Lakers drafted Russell over Jahlil Okafor, leaving a void in the low post. Ramona Shelburne of ESPN reports trade talks with the Kings haven't been rekindled:
They could still use a go-to player on the interior. Julius Randle is promising, but missing virtually his entire rookie campaign due to injury slowed the development process. The team will likely want to bring him along slowly.
It looks like they may be priced out of Cousins' range, though. The situation illustrates the difficulty of being caught between a full rebuild and still having Kobe Bryant on the roster, whose competitive fire still burns red hot.
Carlos Boozer
In his prime, Boozer could have filled the team's need for a top-end starter in the post. He was a double-double machine during his time with the Utah Jazz. His ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
