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The Los Angeles Lakers fell to a disappointing opening night defeat to the LA Clippers, although Frank Vogel's team bounced back in their first home game of the season with an impressive win over the Utah Jazz. The win renewed optimism within the franchise that they can compete for a title this season and plenty could still happen off the court.
In terms of player movement, the Lakers are expected to be among the NBA's busiest teams in the coming months, and a number of notable names continue to be linked with a move to Los Angeles. Meanwhile, there is uncertainty regarded the futures of much of the current roster, and Lakers fans can expect plenty of changes ahead of the trade deadline. So, with plenty going on, here we will take a look at all the latest Lakers rumors you need to know.
#1 Anthony Davis appears likely to re-sign with the Lakers next summer
After an unsuccessful 18-19 season, the Lakers threw everything they had at completing a deal to sign Anthony Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans. The Lakers infamously failed to complete a trade for the All-Star ahead of the February trade deadline, although the team managed to wrap up a quick deal this time around by sending Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart and multiple picks to NOLA.
Since heading to Los Angeles, Davis has refused to commit his future to the organization, although according to a recent report from The Athletic, the superstar is widely expected to sign a new long-term deal with the Purple and Gold next summer.
Davis has a player option for the 20-21 NBA season, although the forward is expected to opt-out in favor of signing a new long-term max-deal. The New York Knicks are believed to be among the teams interested in signing the six-time All-Star should he hit free agency although the Lakers put him in a much stronger position to compete for titles.
#2 Lakers will consider signing J.R. Smith
After J.R. Smith was released by the Cleveland Cavaliers back in July, ESPN reported that the Lakers were an unlikely destination for the controversial swingman. Nevertheless, during a recent appearance on the Scoop B Radio podcast, Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes said they will consider signing Smith once they have had time to assess the current roster:
I think the Lakers are giving him a serious look. Because I think they want to go into the season with the roster they have. Check the first 10, 15 games, see how things are going, check the list of numbers and percentages and see what they lack before they decide what they’re gonna do.
Smith played alongside LeBron James during Cleveland's 2015-16 title-winning season and was a key contributor in a side that made four straight trips to the NBA Finals. However, Smith has not played in the NBA since last November after publicly criticizing the direction of the Cavaliers franchise.
#3 NBA players believe Andre Iguodala will join the Lakers
Andre Iguodala was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies from the Golden State Warriors during the opening days of free agency, although the veteran is not expected to play for the Western Conference strugglers as they seek a trade. The possibility of a buyout also remains possible, and Jackie MacMullan of ESPN says that many around the NBA believe that Iguodala will eventually join the Lakers:
We know where he's going. Wait a minute, we know where he's going. He's going to the Lakers. Come on now. I've had four different players tell me. Every player I talk to tells me that.
Iguodala is owed more than $17 million for the current season although it is likely that the Grizzlies will agree to a buyout if they are unable to trade him over the next few months. Despite turning 35 earlier this year, Iguodala was among the standout performers during the 2019 playoffs, averaging 9.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists over 21 contests.
