NBA Rumors: Reggie Bullock Resolves Lakers Wingman Woes

The Los Angeles Lakers have finally addressed one issue on the offensive end with reports that they have struck a deal with the Detroit Pistons for Reggie Bullock. In return, the Lakers have sent Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk and a draft pick in return.

Multiple teams were interested in Bullock despite initial reports that the Pistons were not interested in moving the 25th pick of the 2013 NBA Draft, Tania Ganguli of the Los Angeles Times reported. However, it seemed that Los Angeles offered the right package for Bullock. He had previous stints with the Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns and the Pistons.

Bullock is in the final year of his contract and will most likely be among the NBA free agents available this summer. His future may depend on how well he performs for the Lakers for the remainder of this season.

A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Bullock is also expected to be an asset on the defensive side. Bullock has proven that he can be a nightmare to opposing players, making life miserable for players in the wings.

On the offensive side, Bullock has turned it up a notch after starting the season as a rotational player. His shooting prowess finally came into full circle when he joined the Pistons in 2017, averaging 11.3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. Further, he also averages 48.9-percent from the field and 44.5-percent from the three-point region. Should he hold the course, Bullock could provide the firepower that the Lakers have been lacking, according to the Bleacher Report.

The Bullock trade overshadows the Anthony Davis drama that may have come to a (temporary) end. According to the Los Angeles Times, the Lakers have pulled out of trade discussions because the New Orleans Pelicans were making outrageous demands.

These demands are beyond the Lakers offer that included their young core of Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and Ivica Zubac plus two first-round picks. Los Angeles was also willing to take in Solomon Hill who holds a $12.7 million contract for some salary cap relief.

“They wanted more and more and more,” a source said. “There was no more to give. They had cap relief with Hill being in the deal. But the more they wanted, the more it became outrageous and unrealistic.”