Lakers Trade Rumors: Wizards have ‘explored trading a protected first-round pick’ for Lou Williams

Rumors of the Washington Wizards’ interest in Los Angeles Lakers super-sub Lou Williams surfaced over the weekend, and the chatter grew loud enough that Williams even gave his thoughts on the whispers on Sunday.

Enough smoke has now gathered for us to assume there’s a fire, and Zach Lowe of ESPN just added some kindling. In his round-up of the NBA trade deadline, Lowe wrote that “several reports have linked the Wiz to Lou Williams, and Washington has indeed explored trading a protected first-round pick for the king of the 2-for-1.”

A first round pick would certainly be a deal the Lakers would have to look hard at, and most likely take, in exchange for Williams, who — even as good as he’s been — likely doesn’t figure into their long-term plans.

However, Lowe also wrote that the Wizards might be able to snag Williams for two second-round picks if they waited until closer to Thursday’s trade deadline, although it’s not clear if this is his (well-informed) opinion or a report.

If that’s the best offer they get for Williams, the Lakers would still have to consider it, although a first-rounder would certainly be more enticing. Stay tuned to Silver Screen and Roll for the latest news as we approach the deadline.

Harrison Faigen is co-host of the Locked on Lakers podcast (subscribe here), and you can follow him on Twitter at @hmfaigen.