It’s no secret that the New York Knicks are considering trading young guard Iman Shumpert. With the Lakers losing Steve Blake, Steve Nash and Jordan Farmar to injuries, they’re of course in search of a new guard. Put the two situations together and you have a possible trade inquiry.
via ESPN:
The Lakers recently called the Knicks to express their interest in Iman Shumpert, acccording to sources close to the situation.
No trade is imminent, and sources say the Lakers’ call was more about doing their due diligence; it’s well-known Shumpert is available. The Lakers are unlikely to make a deal before the end of their current four-game road trip, which concludes Tuesday night in Memphis.
Shumpert is more of a shooting guard, but with Bryant taking on more of a playmaking role — he is averaging a career-high 6.7 assists while attempting fewer than nine shots a game — since returning from a torn Achilles tendon last Sunday, it’s easy to see the two playing together.
Shumpert is struggling through a disappointing season, and the Knicks have discussed trades involving him with several other teams, including the Denver Nuggets and Toronto Raptors.
Sources say the Lakers also are interested in another Knicks player — center Tyson Chandler. The Lakers did not inquire about Chandler when they called about Shumpert, but they are weighing whether to propose a Pau Gasol-for-Chandler trade, according to sources.
