Time-lining the Lakers Pre-Draft Trade Rumors

The NBA Draft kicks off tonight in New Jersey, and for the past few days, rumors surrounding the Lakers have swirled through interwebs. The Minnesota Timberwolves hold the No. 2 overall pick, and it’s been no secret that they are more than willing to deal that pick for a veteran.

It’s been a busy week for Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak(right), and an even busier week for those who have tried to keep tabs on it all. So let’s just chronicle what’s gone on Laker-wise over the last few days:

Friday June 17 8:07pm : Bill Simmons(@sportsguy33)

"Funny NBA drama right now: #2 pick is being frantically shopped, but everyone is scared to negotiate with T-Wolves cuz they leak EVERYTHING."

Monday, June 20, 10:30 am: LA Times’ Lakers Blog- Should the Lakers Trade Pau Gasol to Minnesota?

"Gasol for Kevin Love and Minnesota’s No. 2 pick. Even though Gasol remains one of the best front-line players in the game, the Lakers should make this deal. Love’s presence would still give the Lakers a good size combination with Andrew Bynum, and the team would be making a longer-term investment on a younger player. The Timberwolves expect the draft pick to select Arizona power forward Derrick Williams, but the Lakers could use it to address their point-guard needs, possibly with Brandon Knight, Kemba Walker or Jimmer Fredette. Kyrie Irving would also be a good pickup, but the Cavaliers are expected to select him with their No. 1 pick."

Tuesday, June 21, 10:59 am: Ken Berg (@KBerg_CBS)

"You can wipe the Pau Gasol-to-Minnesota rumor from your memory banks. “Not happening,” says a source. #NBA #draft"

Wednesday, June 22, 12:59 pm: International Business Times- Laker Trade Rumors: Lamar Odom On the Block…Again?

"As for Odom, their have been no concrete trade rumors linking him to another team, but that can change quickly. He has been a part of trade talks since his arrival in the NBA. With point guard a major hole, Odom might be a part of a deal for Denver Nuggets’ point guard Raymond Felton, or perhaps even Tony Parker or Monta Ellis, though none of those trades seem too likely. He could also be part of a more far-reaching deal."

Wednesday, June 22, 7:44 pm: SI.com- 76ers, Lakers talk Iguodala deal; Wolves in play for Philly swingman

"The 76ers are continuing to explore trade options for Andre Iguodala, and league sources said that a deal with the Lakers involving Lamar Odom has been discussed recently.While it’s unclear whether the deal has real potential or is still alive, it’s yet another sign that the Sixers are determined to land an impact player while improving their salary-cap situation in any trade for their second-leading scorer and top defender. Iguodala is owed a combined $44 million for the next three seasons (including $13.5 million next season), while Odom is set to make $8.9 million next season in the final guaranteed year of his contract."

Wednesday, June 22, 7:59 pm: LA Times- Lakers tried to trade Lamar Odom for Minnesota’s No. 2 pick

"The Lakers offered sixth man of the year Lamar Odom for Minnesota’s No. 2 pick, according to twoNBA officials who were not authorized to speak publically on the matter, but L.A. was turned down. The Lakers wanted to use the second pick on Arizona’sDerrick Williams, an athletic 6-foot-8, 248-pound forward, both officials said."

Wednesday, June 22, 10:42 pm: Ramona Shelourne(@ramonashelbourne)

"Lakers won’t move LO unless its for a player they really like, or to rid themselves of really dead weight"

So, clearly, no one knows what is really going on. Come tonight when the N0. 2 is set to be announced, we may still not now, as Derrick Williams is a lock with the pick, keeping trades open. Be sure to follow us on Twitter to keep up with the NBA Draft tonight, as it kicks off at 4pm, back in Los Angeles.

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