Lakers Trade Rumors: Lakers interested in Ty Lawson

The Los Angeles Lakers are interested in acquiring Denver Nuggets point guard Ty Lawson, according to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated. Lawson was recently arrested for his second DUI in the last six months, and his fourth time total being caught driving under the influence. Lawson was reportedly on the way home from a Nuggets team function at the time of his arrest, and was caught going 61 mph in a 35-mph zone, and also reportedly refused to take a sobriety test.\

Lawson averaged 15.2 points and 9.6 assists for the Nuggets over 75 games in the 2015 NBA season, but the Nuggets just drafted point guard Emmanuel Mudiay, Lawson's presumed replacement, 7th overall in the 2015 NBA draft. Mudiay is currently playing in the Las Vegas Summer League for Denver, averaging 13.3 points and 7.3 assists as the primary option for the Nuggets exhibition squad.

Between Mudiay's strong play and Lawson's off the court troubles, Denver would appear to be dealing from a position of weakness in negotiations. However, the Lakers recently drafted D'Angelo Russell 2nd overall, in addition to signing reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams to play with Jordan Clarkson, Kobe Bryant, and Jabari Brown in a crowded Los Angeles backcourt; meaning they have very little need for the Lawson or his baggage. File this potential move under "unlikely to happen" for now.