Lakers Rumors: Why Derrick Williams to Lakers Would Spark LA

The Los Angeles Lakers need to do something with their line up to help generate a spark if they want to be a legitimate contender in the NBA this year.

As of late there have been several rumors floating around that Pau Gasol is on the trading block as the Lakers look for something to work.

According to a report by Tom Ziller, the Timberwolves are one of the teams that have shown some interest in Gasol. The Timberwolves have considered offering Derrick Williams, their rookie first-round pick.

The only two players that Minnesota is considering untouchable at this point would be Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio.

If the Lakers were to make some kind of trade with the Timberwolves that sent Gasol away and brought in Williams, he could prove to be the missing link that the Lakers need to make a legitimate push, and be able to compete against the Oklahoma City Thunder for the Western Conference bid to the NBA finals.

So far in Minnesota, Williams has been all but what he had been expected to be. Averaging a mere 7.5 points and 4.2 assists, while only playing 18.6 minutes per game.

An explanation for his low rate of production could be one of several reasons.

First he is competing for time on the court against Martell Webster, Kevin Love and Michael Beasley, all players who have at one point in their career been fairly solid players.

Another possible explanation for Williams’ lack of production could be that he does not have a seasoned veteran that can help him out and make sure that he gets what he needs to be successful.

Kevin Love is there with the skill, but he has only been in the league for the past three years.



If Williams were traded to the Lakers a lot of this would change. First of all, the only real talent that the Lakers have at forward would be Gasol, who would be leaving for Minnesota. Williams would be stuck in a position where he wou...

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