NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers interested in Wayne Ellington, Terrence Ross?
NBA Trade Rumors: The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly actively trying to improve their roster, and could be eyeing Wayne Ellington and/or Terrence Ross
After a rough start to the 2018-19 NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves at 17-10 and just one game out of the top spot in the Western Conference roughly one third through the year.
With no team looking unbeatable in the conference just yet – no, not even the Golden State Warriors, who have issues of their own – the Lakers could be a move or two from really making a move up the standings.
Recently, all the whispers have been surrounding the team and their pursuit for Trevor Ariza (which was reported last week). However, there are two other players ion their radar as well. According to a report from Sporting News, the Lakers could be eyeing Wayne Ellington or Terrence Ross if the Ariza plans fall through, or additionally.
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"[via Sporting News]Among them, a source told Sporting News, is another former Laker — Heat guard Wayne Ellington, a 3-point specialist who would help LA’s struggles from the 3-point arc. Ellington is on a one-year deal with the Heat, and he has the right to veto a trade.…Another target is Magic forward Terrence Ross, but with the 27-year-old averaging 14.1 points on a career-best 56.8 true shooting percentage, his value might be out of the Lakers’ range."
According to the report, it would likely take a first-round pick to pry Ellington away from the Miami Heat, but he would fit right in with what works around LeBron James historically. Over the last two seasons, Ellington has resurrected his career with the Heat.
This season, Ellington is averaging 10 points per game on 37 percent from 3-point range. He works without the ball and is one of the best spot-up shooters in the game. While he does leave some to be desired on the defensive end, he’s shown enough willingness on that end of the floor where it doesn’t leave that much of the void.
And playing next to LeBron, his numbers would likely only get better. As for Ross, he could be a bit more costly due to his production and young age. At the very least, it would cost a first-round pick. Probably more.
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If the Lakers are looking for a cheaper option, there’s no question that the move is Ellington. Question is, would they be willing to part with what the Heat would be asking for? That’s not a sure answer.