Los Angeles Lakers: Latest rumors on Trevor Ariza trade, KCP and more

Rockets have interest in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

As you probably know, the Lakers are in the middle of attempting to bring Trevor Ariza back to Los Angeles for a second go-around. However, as you can imagine, it’s easier said than done to swing a midseason deal for a seasoned veteran like Ariza who’s making $15 million this year.

The Lakers are doing what they can to find a way to make things work with the Phoenix Suns. At this point, though, it’s looking like a three-team deal may be the best way to make things work from compensation and financial standpoints. Enter the Houston Rockets, who are desperate for help out on the wing.

Hence, their interest in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope — that is, according to The Athletic‘s Shams Charania.

If dealing KCP brings Ariza to Los Angeles, it’s a small price to pay. While Caldwell-Pope has been a decent asset off the bench this season, he’s far too inconsistent for a team like the Lakers to rely on to be a sharpshooter from beyond the arch.

There’s one other thing to keep in mind about this whole situation: both Ariza and Caldwell-Pope can’t be traded until Dec. 15 since they both signed new contracts back in July. While that’s only a couple of days away, it does mean we shouldn’t be expecting a deal to come to fruition any minute now.

For now, it’s a waiting game. If there’s any Laker who’s traded in the near future, though, it’s looking like Caldwell-Pope will be the guy.