The Lakers officially kicked off their playoff push in last night’s win over the Houston Rockets, but they still have a little bit of other business to take care of before the end of the month.
L.A. still has an open spot on their roster after trading away Ivica Zubac and Michael Beasley to the Clippers for Mike Muscala. However, all the options are basically off the market, except for Carmelo Anthony. And considering the fact Anthony is still on the market, it speaks volumes the Lakers still haven’t signed him.
So, what do the Lakers do with that spot? According to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, the Lakers are hoping that the Knicks will buyout center DeAndre Jordan before March 1 so that the big man will be playoff eligible.
Wesley Matthews, the other veteran who joined DeAndre Jordan in a trade to New York for Kristaps Porzingis, was already let go and signed with the Indiana Pacers. However, there is no guarantee the Knicks will waive Jordan and in addition to that, Jordan may eventually choose another team.
Although James has reportedly wanted Carmelo Anthony for sometime, bringing in Jordan would likely please him. Last season, the Cavs reportedly flirted with the Los Angeles Clippers multiple times in a deal for Jordan and LeBron himself told reporters Jordan would have given Cleveland a boost.
With less than a week to go between now and the deadline for playoff eligibility, the Lakers clearly have some hopes about who they are able to sign. But it doesn’t quite look like a plan either.
