Lakers Rumors Roundup: Kobe Bryant uninterested in return, Kemba Walker could join in free agency and more

Despite the addition of LeBron James last summer, the Los Angeles Lakers missed out on the postseason for a sixth consecutive year. In the aftermath of their latest disappointing season, Luke Walton has exited as head coach, while Magic Johnson has also stepped down from his role as president of operations.

Evidently, the franchise is now facing a busy summer, and here are all the latest Lakers news and rumors circling the league.

Kemba Walker is reportedly the Lakers' most realistic target this summer

Walker is viewed as a more realistic target than All-Stars such as Leonard and Durant

The Lakers want to pair a second All-Star with LeBron James this summer, and the team has been linked with some of the NBA's leading players such as Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard. However, according to a recent report from Gabe Zaldivar of Forbes, the Lakers may have to lower their sights, with Kemba Walker among the team's most realistic targets:

In pouring over the best players on the market, the Lakers will rifle through the obvious: Kawhi Leonard, reportedly looking at Los Angeles but the other team (Clippers); Kevin Durant, a longshot that seems intent on heading to New York; Kyrie Irving, a reunion is exactly what Hollywood might do under the circumstances but let’s call this one doubtful.

With $35.4 million possibly available this summer, the Lakers are a kid with abundant birthday money but nowhere to spend it. This is where Kemba Walker comes in, a 28-year-old guard who is as near elite as secondary superstars come in 2019.

With a Davis deal looking grim and no other help coming in from upper-echelon players, someone like Walker is the perfect prolific scorer to shoulder some of the load from James’ shoulders.

At 29, Walker is firmly in his prime, and he is also coming off the most impressive season of his career, during which he averaged 25.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game.

Kobe Bryant rules out a return

Kobe Bryant has ruled out a return to the Lakers

Ever since Magic Johnson announced his surprise departure from the team last month, Kobe Bryant has been linked to the vacant president of basketball operations role. However, when speaking on a recent edition of the Ellen Show, Bryant ruled out an immediate return to the franchise:

Ellen DeGeneres: So, can I ask you, were you surprised that Magic Johnson stepped down, was that a surprise to everybody?

Kobe Bryant: Little bit. Little bit of a shocker, yeah.

Ellen DeGeneres: And will you be stepping in?

Kobe Bryant: No. No. Nope. Nope. I’m staying right on the sideline and coaching my daughters.

Following a storied career with the Lakers that included five championship wins, Bryant retired from basketball back in 2016. He has since turned his attention to writing and producing, notably winning an academy award in 2018.

Reggie Bullock wants to return to the Lakers

Reggie Bullock joined the Lakers from the Detroit Pistons back in February. Bullock was expected to give the team an increased threat from beyond the arc, although the 28-year-old managed to connect with just 34% of his attempts from deep.

Bullock will become a free agent this summer and despite an underwhelming three-month spell in LA, Bullock is keen on a return:

I’ve been a fan of this organization throughout my life. They have much respect for me, I have a lot of respect for them. They welcomed me with open arms, so it’s a high level of interest.

Just like last summer, the Lakers will be looking to add cheap contracts around James and a potential second All-Star. This makes a return for Bullock possible, although he may have to be willing to accept a minimum one-year deal.

Edited by Arvind Sriram