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The LA Lakers missed out on several names during the first wave of the NBA buyout market. However, the Lakers could be active ahead of the Mar. 1 deadline. The latest rumors suggest that Will Barton could be a target for the Lakers.
The Washington Wizards announced on Tuesday (Feb. 21) that they have reached a buyout agreement with Barton. The Wizards acquired Barton from the Denver Nuggets in the offseason but failed to trade him at the deadline. He's now a free agent and could sign with any team that wants him.
According to Jason Reed of Lake Show Life, Barton is a good player for the Lakers to target. He could provide them with depth, shooting and playoff experience. The Lakers are anticipating that they will make a push for the postseason considering all the deals they made at the trade deadline.
Alex Kirschenbaum of Sports Illustrated also believes that Will Barton could be an ideal target for the LA Lakers. Kirschenbaum argued that Barton is a 3-and-D player who could help the Lakers for the rest of the season.
The 32-year-old swingman averaged 7.7 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists for the Washington Wizards this season. He was limited to an off the bench role but showed glimpses of what he's capable of when Kristaps Porzingis and Kyle Kuzma were out of the lineup.
However, the Lakers are not the only team expected to pursue Barton. Teams already linked to him include the Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks and Milwaukee Bucks.
Danny Green shuns LA Lakers to join Cleveland Cavaliers
The Houston Rockets and Danny Green agreed a contract buyout after they acquired him at the trade deadline. Some were expecting Green to sign with the LA Lakers and help the team make the playoffs.
However, Green decided to join the Cleveland Cavaliers. He explained on his "Inside the Green Room" podcast why he shunned the Lakers for the Cavaliers. It should be noted that Green started his career with in Cleveland and was part of the 2020 Lakers' championship-winning team.
"I don't think they had the opportunity or the same opportunity with all the wings they brought in and all the people they brought in," Green said. "I don't think they were able to say you'll be in a good opportunity to be on the floor and that we're for sure going to make the playoffs.
So it was very up in the air, and it's a very urgent time for them. They have to win now, and they have a lot of pressure doing that in a short amount of time."
