Update: Tim MacMahon of ESPN (their reporter on the Mavericks beat) confirms reports that the Lakers at least have some degree of interest in Parsons. Original story follows.
The opening of NBA free agency is less than a week away, and the rumor mill has hit full churn. By Thursday the Los Angeles Lakers will have been linked to every free agent up-to-and-including a prime Michael Jordan, so it's important to keep in perspective that all 30 NBA teams are interested in lots of guys, but can only sign so many.
With that in mind, Mike Leslie of WFAA Sports reports that the Lakers are one of several teams expected to "pursue" Dallas Mavericks forward Chandler Parsons in free agency (h/t Dillon Hiser of Lakers Outsiders). Leslie also notes that the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Clippers, and Parson's incumbent Mavs are all additionally expected to attempt to bring the versatile wing to their team.
The fit with the Clippers is basically impossible barring a trade for them the to clear significant cap space, leaving Parsons' hometown Magic, the Mavericks, and the Lakers in the hunt. This confirms a report from ESPN earlier this year suggesting the Lakers as one of the teams expected to go after Parsons, so this is at least a rumor that's gotten around to multiple circles.
Los Angeles' pursuit of Parsons seems less likely following their selection of small forward Brandon Ingram with the second overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft, but a Parsons signing would allow the skinny rookie out of Duke to go against bench players while he adjusts to the physicality of the NBA. It would probably make more sense to start Ingram and let him take his lumps, but there is at least an argument for going the other way.
Parsons could help Los Angeles, and the part-time male model would certainly fit right in in Hollywood off the court, but until there is more smoke on this from Los Angeles-based reporters, it seems worth taking rumors like this with a heavy dose of salt.
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