LA Lakers Rumors: Lakers could add former All-Star guard if bought out by LA Clippers

The LA Lakers missed out on Kyrie Irving after the Brooklyn Nets traded him to the Dallas Mavericks. The latest rumors suggest that the Lakers could turn their attention to the buyout market for a new point guard. One player who might be available is former All-Star John Wall of the LA Clippers.

Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report speculated that the Lakers could be interested in Wall if the Clippers decide to buy out his contract. The Clippers are looking for an upgrade at point guard, which would make Wall dispensable. His link to the Lakers stems from the fact that he's a client of Klutch Sports.

"Wall is a buyout candidate," Pincus wrote. "But even if he is dealt, if the destination isn't a playoff contender in need of a veteran backup, he could still be a free agent before the March 1 deadline. Given his ties to Klutch Sports, he could end up with the Los Angeles Lakers."

The LA Clippers have been linked with several high-profile point guards, including Fred VanVleet of the Toronto Raptors and D'Angelo Russell of the Minnesota Timberwolves. While Wall could be a part of a trade package, it's certainly possible that he could seek a buyout if he gets dealt.

Meanwhile, the LA Lakers are looking for ways to bolster their roster for a final push to make the playoffs. They struck out on a potential Kyrie Irving trade and have found themselves scouring the market ahead of the Feb. 9 deadline.

Wall is having a solid debut season for the Clippers, averaging 11.4 points, 2.7 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game. However, he's just shooting 40.8% from the field and 30.3% from beyond the arc.

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Why didn't LA Lakers acquire Kyrie Irving?

Kyrie Irving was a target of the LA Lakers

When Kyrie Irving requested a trade out of the Brooklyn Nets, many were expecting the LA Lakers as his likely landing spot. However, the Dallas Mavericks swooped in to acquire Irving and Markieff Morris in exchange for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a first-round pick and two second-round picks.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Lakers offered Russell Westbrook and their coveted 2027 and 2029 first-round picks for Irving. However, the Nets wanted the Lakers to add Austin Reaves and Max Christie to the deal.

NBA insider Marc Stein has reported that Nets owner Joe Tsai didn't want to trade Irving to his preferred destination, the Lakers. The Irving trade is now official, so Rob Pelinka and the rest of the Lakers front office will need to turn their attention to other potential targets.