With the NBA Draft rapidly approaching, plenty of rumors have surrounded the Los Angeles Lakers over what they are planning on doing this offseason to improve the team, and while they've been linked to big names like Kevin Love, the team is also reportedly eyeing Brooklyn Nets point guard Deron Williams.
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According to the Los Angeles Daily News, the Lakers are looking to trade a first-round draft pick in exchange for Love, with Williams as their secondary option.
Williams is looking to revive his career after having a subpar last couple of seasons, including a disappointing performance in this year's playoffs where the Nets were ousted in five games by the Miami Heat in Round 2.
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Williams, who hasn't openly requested a trade but would reportedly be open to a fresh start elsewhere, could be placed on the trading block by the Nets soon.
The Lakers own the seventh pick in this year's NBA Draft following Tuesday night's draft lottery, and it is possible that the team would part ways with the pick for a superstar. While Williams hasn't lived up to a superstar reputation the last few years, the former perennial All-Star could prove to bounce back should the Lakers grab him.
According to the report, Williams is owed $19.8 million next season with the 2014-15 salary cap projected to be $63.2 million. The Lakers are expected to have about $25 million of cap room entering next season. The move would work for both teams as the Lakers would have flexibility to take on Williams' contract while the Nets would get under the cap threshold for 2014-15.
A factor that may halt any kind of deal is the fact that Williams may have surgery on one or both of his ankles this offseason and the Lakers may not want to roll the dice on an injured, declining point guard.
The Lakers' top desire is Love, but it's possible if he stays in Minnesota for one more year -- as the Timberwolves said they wouldn't trade him -- that the team could go after Williams and wait for Love to hit the market next summer to pursue him.
Los Angeles is still looking for a new coach and to build on a subpar season that saw the team finish a franchise-worst 27-55 while missing the playoffs for the first time since 2005.
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