NBA Rumors: Jabari Parker Another Target For Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are trying to find ways to get Anthony Davis, but they still need to fill in other key positions for the ballclub. The latest name to be mentioned is Jabari Parker of the Chicago Bulls, someone who has been repeatedly mentioned in NBA trade talks.

In a previous post, it was mentioned that Parker was unfazed by his limited role with the Bulls. After signing a two-year deal worth $40 million, he found his playing time cut with the return of Lauri Markannen. With the Bulls opting not to exercise its team option, trade scenarios for the former second overall pick of the 2014 NBA Draft came into the picture.

The New York Knicks had preliminary talks with the Bulls on Parker. Discussions involved Enes Kanter, but talks later got bogged down, as mentioned in a previous report. But now, Parker is back in the limelight for the Lakers who are eyeing some wing players.

According to Hoops Hype, Parker is one of several players targeted to fill in the wing position for Los Angeles. The other names mentioned are Reggie Bullock, Terrence Ross and Wayne Ellington.

However, trading for Parker would make more sense. If things fall through, the Lakers could dangle a deal to the Bulls centered around Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, another name that has been frequently mentioned as on the NBA trading block, ESPN reported.

With the Bulls preferring to trade away Parker over buying him out, this could be one of the deals that may go down before the Feb. 7 trade deadline. Chicago will reportedly accept anything they can get for the 23-year-old.

But there are some precedents to consider. The Lakers are expected to skim the market for other free agent candidates, including Carmelo Anthony. As one can see, there are plenty of players expected to be bought out, giving the Lakers and other teams out to beef up their rosters further options.

Parker is an option, but he may not address the needs of the Lakers. He has shot just 34.4-percent from the three-point area in his career. For the current season, he has just shot 37-for-114 (32.5-percent).

The Lakers need to improve on their shooting so taking in Parker may be a gamble. Given the choice, Los Angeles may be better off with Anthony who is also LeBron James' close buddy.