Report: Lakers, Pistons, Rockets interested in Nuggets' Lawson; Kings in the mix?
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A second DUI arrest this year isn't stopping teams from inquiring about the services of Denver Nuggets point guard Ty Lawson.
The 27-year-old is generating significant trade interest, with the Los Angeles Lakers, Detroit Pistons and Houston Rockets willing to make a deal, reports Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix.
Lawson was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence early Tuesday morning in Los Angeles, his second DUI arrest in the last six months. He will appear in court Friday for the first arrest which took place in January.
The Lakers used their No. 2 draft pick this year to take Ohio State point guard D'Angelo Russell, and with 2014 NBA All-Rookie first-teamer Jordan Clarkson already in the picture, the team may be better off rolling with their young backcourt tandem and investing more in their youth movement.
The Pistons have gone all-in with Reggie Jackson, locking up the 25-year-old to a five-year extension worth $80 million. The team has been open to moving Brandon Jennings, who started 41 games before going down with an Achilles injury, so if a trade were struck to bring Lawson aboard, coach Stan Van Gundy could interchange Jackson and Lawson freely based on who has the hot hand. Lawson is a more willing passer with a consistent shot to boot, while Jennings - with $8.3 million remaining on the final year of his deal - will seemingly never shake his trigger-happy reputation.
Patrick Beverley, who missed the final 12 games of the regular season and all of the playoffs after tearing ligaments in his left wrist, will return to the Rockets on a reported four-year, $25-million contract. While recognized as an elite defender, the third-year pro doesn't possess the same scoring prowess as his Nuggets counterpart.
The Sacramento Kings, despite signing four-time All-Star Rajon Rondo to a one-year deal, would reportedly love to reunite Lawson with former Nuggets head coach George Karl.
Lawson averaged a near double-double of 15.2 points and 9.6 assists in 75 appearances last season with Denver. With a little under $26 million remaining on the last two years of his deal, the North Carolina alumnus could be a cheap alternative in a league where seemingly everyone is signing extravagant contracts.
The Nuggets aren't handcuffed to Lawson either after the team selected Emmanuel Mudiay with the No. 7 pick. Veteran Jameer Nelson recently agreed to a three-year deal worth $13.5 million, giving new coach Mike Malone more options for his lineup should Lawson be sent packing.