NBA news: Lakers trade OFF, LeBron James surprise claim, Bradley Beal huge update
NBA NEWS - The Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James and Bradley Beal are among the hottest topics in the league right now.
Phoenix Suns NEED Lakers three-way Ariza deal says pundit
Lakers trade for Trevor Ariza OFF
Trevor Ariza’s potential trade to the Los Angeles Lakers looks likely not to go ahead after Magic Johnson reportedly made their young core unavailable in any talks.
The Lakers are looking to strengthen their current roster in a bid to ensure they make the 2019 NBA playoffs.
They currently sit in a promising position in the Western Conference and just one game back from the top of the table.
However, the Western Conference has never been so competitive with the Houston Rockets, currently in 14th, only 4.5 games back from the Lakers in fifth.
It has been reported that the Lakers have made Ariza their number one target, a player who would undoubtedly help them on the defensive end.
However, Los Angeles Times’ Brad Turner reports the Lakers will not be willing to part ways with Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma or Josh Hart in any deal.
It was suggested that the Suns and Lakers may look at getting another franchise involved for a three-team trade, but Phoenix have reportedly turned down that approach.
Turner adds that the Rockets have also contacted the Lakers about trading for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
But any potential deal is far from being completed with no progress being made so far.
LeBron James not loathed by other All-Stars
Kevin Durant suggested in an interview last week that superstars wouldn’t jump at the opportunity to play with LeBron James at the Lakers.
But NBA legend James Worthy doesn’t buy it, suggesting Durant didn’t mean what he was saying.
“I don’t believe it,” Worthy told Silver Screen and Roll.
“I don’t know who these people are. I heard the little Durant story and it made absolutely no sense to me.
“LeBron has played with Wade and Bosh, he’s gone back to Cleveland to play with some decent All-Star caliber players. His record is proven. I don’t believe that.
“Kobe I understood. At the end of his career, Kobe’s personality was a little different.
“He was tough. Kobe was tough, man. He was a winner, though, so I kind of got that but I don’t believe that with LeBron at all.
”Time will tell, but there’s no proof that that exists."
Bradley Beal trade update
Bradley Beal is the player being targeted most by NBA teams with a trade likely to happen before the February 7 deadline.
That’s according to Get More Sports’ Chris Sheridan, who suggests the Washington Wizards are likely to move Beal in the next few months.
It was reported last month that Washington are considering taking offers for both Beal and John Wall, with the former likely to attract more interest.
The Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers and Houston Rockets have all been linked with a possible move for the 25-year-old.