Lakers actively looking to acquire Cousins - Per ESPN

[Endless Paradise]

Woj article with some more insight on the continuing negotiations between the Lakers and the Kings:

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--kings-talking-to-lakers-about-demarcus-cousins-trade--fielding-offers-from-other-teams-030157845.html

[jpotter33]

Woj article with some more insight on the continuing negotiations between the Lakers and the Kings:

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--kings-talking-to-lakers-about-demarcus-cousins-trade--fielding-offers-from-other-teams-030157845.html

How does LA expect to get a deal done for Cousins without giving up Clarkson and/or Randle?

Sounds like Sacramento wants to spite their old guys in Denver, but it sounds like there's a possibility of a three way with Sacramento and Denver, with DMC going to the third party. Danny should be all over that, because we're perfectly set up to play that role.

[Rondo9]

Woj article with some more insight on the continuing negotiations between the Lakers and the Kings:

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources--kings-talking-to-lakers-about-demarcus-cousins-trade--fielding-offers-from-other-teams-030157845.html

The Lakers should involve Randle and Clarkson.

[Vox_Populi]

Soo, does Cousins want out? Does his agent? Does the FO? Or just Karl? Or some combination of any or all? I find it strange considering how I thought Vivek and Vlade said they wanted to keep him.

[Chief Macho]

No kidding.  How can they not take at least both firsts and randle and clarkson if they're dealing to a rival?  i'd want another first and second on top of that or i'd ship him to the east.   it would have to be overwhelming.

[jpotter33]

Soo, does Cousins want out? Does his agent? Does the FO? Or just Karl? Or some combination of any or all? I find it strange considering how I thought Vivek and Vlade said they wanted to keep him.

Yes, Cousins wants out. I saw a report that he actually requested a trade a month ago. I've also saw a report that he has a short list of teams that he wants to be traded to: both LA and Boston are on it.

[LarBrd33]

I know it's weird to see Randle as a deal breaker... but (healthy) Randle and Smart are about even in trade value in my opinion.  If you're the Lakers, why would you bother to include Randle?  Nobody is outbidding you if you give up the #2 pick. 

Lakers should stand firm on refusing to give up Randle.   Kings are playing hardball... they'll cave.  You got this in the bag, LA.   Just offer the #2 and nothing else.  Trust me on this.  I know what I'm talking about.    When Vlade calls and says, "Seriously... include Randle or I'm trading Cousins to Boston", just call his bluff.  There's no way he passes up the opportunity to get the #2 pick.  You win, Lakers.  You win.

[BRC-14]

If they really get Cousins for three unproven NBA players I am going to be so upset. Randle is a question mark and so is any rookie coming in. Clarkson played big minutes on a terrible team and is overvalued IMO. If this is what lands them an All-Star proven player I will be livid. 

[TheFlex]

I know it's weird to see Randle as a deal breaker... but (healthy) Randle and Smart are about even in trade value in my opinion.  If you're the Lakers, why would you bother to include Randle?  Nobody is outbidding you if you give up the #2 pick. 

Lakers should stand firm on refusing to give up Randle.   Kings are playing hardball... they'll cave.  You got this in the bag, LA.   Just offer the #2 and nothing else.  Trust me on this.  I know what I'm talking about.    When Vlade calls and says, "Seriously... include Randle or I'm trading Cousins to Boston", just call his bluff.  There's no way he passes up the opportunity to get the #2 pick.  You win, Lakers.  You win.

This is just as ridiculous as when you said it a few days ago. Randle dropped to 7 specifically because of injuries and then missed the entire season. Smart was drafted 6 and was ranked the 6th best rookie in the league by the voters of the 1st and 2nd All-Rookie team. There's absolutely no way any of the league's important executives believe Smart=Randle.

Also, it doesn't make sense that the Lakers offered #2 and Randle because it probably didn't happen. I think Divac just made it up.

[Vox_Populi]

Soo, does Cousins want out? Does his agent? Does the FO? Or just Karl? Or some combination of any or all? I find it strange considering how I thought Vivek and Vlade said they wanted to keep him.

Yes, Cousins wants out. I saw a report that he actually requested a trade a month ago. I've also saw a report that he has a short list of teams that he wants to be traded to: both LA and Boston are on it.

Huh. He tweeted this not too long ago. Guess it's just the usual PR stuff.

[CelticSooner]

I know it's weird to see Randle as a deal breaker... but (healthy) Randle and Smart are about even in trade value in my opinion.  If you're the Lakers, why would you bother to include Randle?  Nobody is outbidding you if you give up the #2 pick. 

Lakers should stand firm on refusing to give up Randle.   Kings are playing hardball... they'll cave.  You got this in the bag, LA.   Just offer the #2 and nothing else.  Trust me on this.  I know what I'm talking about.    When Vlade calls and says, "Seriously... include Randle or I'm trading Cousins to Boston", just call his bluff.  There's no way he passes up the opportunity to get the #2 pick.  You win, Lakers.  You win.

I see the opposite. I think the Lakers will cave and give up #2 and Randle. Starting to get sad because I think this is going to happen tomorrow.

[cltc5]

Sounds like it's close to some deal

[j804]

I know it's weird to see Randle as a deal breaker... but (healthy) Randle and Smart are about even in trade value in my opinion.  If you're the Lakers, why would you bother to include Randle?  Nobody is outbidding you if you give up the #2 pick. 

Lakers should stand firm on refusing to give up Randle.   Kings are playing hardball... they'll cave.  You got this in the bag, LA.   Just offer the #2 and nothing else.  Trust me on this.  I know what I'm talking about.    When Vlade calls and says, "Seriously... include Randle or I'm trading Cousins to Boston", just call his bluff.  There's no way he passes up the opportunity to get the #2 pick.  You win, Lakers.  You win.

I see the opposite. I think the Lakers will cave and give up #2 and Randle. Starting to get sad because I think this is going to happen tomorrow.

Ughh right come on Danny swoop in. I still have some hope as Woj says other teams are now talking to the Kings. We can give them Smart and a crapload of future 1's wonder if they'll at least think about it.

[wiley]

I know it's weird to see Randle as a deal breaker... but (healthy) Randle and Smart are about even in trade value in my opinion.  If you're the Lakers, why would you bother to include Randle?  Nobody is outbidding you if you give up the #2 pick. 

Lakers should stand firm on refusing to give up Randle.   Kings are playing hardball... they'll cave.  You got this in the bag, LA.   Just offer the #2 and nothing else.  Trust me on this.  I know what I'm talking about.    When Vlade calls and says, "Seriously... include Randle or I'm trading Cousins to Boston", just call his bluff.  There's no way he passes up the opportunity to get the #2 pick.  You win, Lakers.  You win.

I see the opposite. I think the Lakers will cave and give up #2 and Randle. Starting to get sad because I think this is going to happen tomorrow.

Agree.  The Lakers have to cave or no Cousins.  I think LarBrd33 knows that and is hoping to steer the deal in Boston's favor...I guess we should have followed his lead heh heh...

[CelticSooner]

I know it's weird to see Randle as a deal breaker... but (healthy) Randle and Smart are about even in trade value in my opinion.  If you're the Lakers, why would you bother to include Randle?  Nobody is outbidding you if you give up the #2 pick. 

Lakers should stand firm on refusing to give up Randle.   Kings are playing hardball... they'll cave.  You got this in the bag, LA.   Just offer the #2 and nothing else.  Trust me on this.  I know what I'm talking about.    When Vlade calls and says, "Seriously... include Randle or I'm trading Cousins to Boston", just call his bluff.  There's no way he passes up the opportunity to get the #2 pick.  You win, Lakers.  You win.

I see the opposite. I think the Lakers will cave and give up #2 and Randle. Starting to get sad because I think this is going to happen tomorrow.

Ughh right come on Danny swoop in. I still have some hope as Woj says other teams are now talking to the Kings. We can give them Smart and a crapload of future 1's wonder if they'll at least think about it.

A third team would have to be involved. Lakers offer trumps the C's sadly.