With less than a week until the trade deadline, the Lakers have definitely tried every possible option to enhance. After grinding out a season-long.500 mark, it’s obvious that something has to give, but identifying what exactly needs to change has been challenging.
The Lakers’ perimeter defense has been a problem, especially since Gabe Vincent has been out for the whole year. That probably explains why one of the top perimeter defenders in the league is reportedly of interest to the franchise.
The Lakers have allegedly phoned the Grizzlies over guard Marcus Smart, but they have received no response, according to Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer.
Although a number of teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks, reportedly called Memphis regarding acquiring defensive mainstay Marcus Smart, the Grizzlies reportedly turned down any approaches for the seasoned guard.
Memphis’s salary and roster put them in a precarious position. Their injury issue has put them in a bit of a bind after they threw a lot of money on the table for this season, especially because Desmond Bane’s massive deal is set to expire the following season.
With the recent trade of Steven Adams, they were able to relieve some of the strain, but they will have a large luxury tax bill for the upcoming season.
It may have made it possible to trade Smart, who is owed $41.7 million over the next two seasons. However, for now, the Grizzlies don’t seem interested in a deal.