The Los Angeles Lakers surprised the league when the once Kobe Bryant team opted to turn to younger stars as their go-to leaders in games. Starting off with signing former Golden State Warriors coach Luke Walton, the Nick Young squad pushed forward to give D’Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance, Jr more minutes to prove themselves. Despite their notable growth though, it appears that a veteran might be needed to lead them to the top.
The NBA trade deadline is fast approaching and talks of big moves are common these days. However, one name seems to be making headlines once again: Derrick Rose.
The former Chicago Bulls leader, who was shipped to the New York Knicks in the offseason along with Joakim Noah, is anticipated to be on the move again. Rumors are rife that the Los Angeles Lakers could be gunning for a Derrick Rose trade soon in an effort to guide D’Angelo Russell and the rest to a winning culture.
Prior to his injuries, Derrick Rose had been tagged as the face of the Chicago Bulls franchise. Last summer, his move to play alongside fellow All-Star Carmelo Anthony revitalized his game. But, the energy was shortlived. Throughout the rest of the season, the New York Knicks only saw flashes of brilliance from D-Rose – performances that apparently failed to impress the front office.
With his expiring contract with the New York Knicks, a Derrick Rose trade is anticipated to be announced soon. This may or may not immediately follow the highly talked about Carmelo Anthony trade to the Houston Rockets. At this point, no official confirmation has been given by the parties involved.
“I hadn’t heard anything about it until I came back here. Like I said before, you never know what is going to happen. You’ve got to be a professional about it. Whatever it is, I’ll be prepared,” commented the former Chicago Bulls star on the Derrick Rose trade rumors hounding him.
He added, “I love it here [New York], but it’s not up to me. It’s up to the front office. I don’t have a problem with the coaching staff. I don’t have a problem with my teammates. I love it here, like I said, but this is a business.”
What do you think? Should the Los Angeles Lakers pursue a Derrick Rose trade this season? Will the former Chicago Bulls star be a good addition to the D’Angelo Russell team? Will the New York Knicks star be able to bring a winning culture to inspire Nick Young and the rest of the team?
