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The Los Angeles Lakers called the New York Knicks to "express their interest" and discuss the availability of third-year guard Iman Shumpert, according to ESPN's Chris Broussard. No deal is imminent, though the Lakers wanted to do their "due dillegence," according to the report. The Lakers also interested in center Tyson Chandler who is still working back from a leg injury, though Los Angeles did not inquire about any potential trades.
More on the Lakers
More on the Lakers
The same report from Broussard alleges the Lakers are considering a trade centered around Gasol and Chandler but have not made any formal offers.
Dec. 15 is a crucial date for trade discussions as most restrictions on trading players signed as free agents this summer are lifted, so trade discussions should continue heating up. As any and all trade rumor is concerned, it's worth taken with a grain of salt, but the Lakers are rumored to be considering trading Gasol after he voiced displeasure about his role in the team's offense while struggling through the first quarter of the season.
Shumpert, 23, is averaging a 6.7 points per game on a career-low 37.9 percent shooting from the field. Chandler suffered a non-displaced fracture of his right fibula in November and has not played since. The latest update was on Dec. 8 with the Knicks "hoping" he returns to action within 10 days. Shumpert is still on a salary-friendly rookie contract while Chandler will be a $14.5 million expiring contract next season.
To recap: The Lakers called the Knicks about Shumpert, are interested in Chandler but did not inquire about trading for him, and Dec. 15 has arrived so expect plenty of smoke even where there's little-to-no fire.
