Los Angeles Lakers Rumors: Update on a potential Kentavious Caldwell-Pope trade, Lakers remain favorites to land Andre Iguodala via buyout and more

#2 Aron Baynes was a target during the offseason

Aron Baynes has started the season in excellent form

After spending two seasons with the Boston Celtics, Aron Baynes was traded during the offseason to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for a 2020 protected first-round pick. Nevertheless, Baynes has started the season in resurgent form, and Shams Charania of The Athletic is reporting that the Lakers were hoping to land the veteran via a buyout:

Phoenix acquired Baynes on draft night, and in the weeks to come contenders such as the Lakers hoped Baynes would reach a buyout with the Suns to hit the open market, sources said.

Through 11 appearances this season, Baynes has averaged 15.0 points and 5.5 rebounds in just 23.8 minutes per game. It is possible that the Lakers could pursue the Australian in free agency next summer, although the Lakers currently have plenty of big man depth in JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard.