NBA Rumors: Lakers Passed On Jackson Because Of Paul George Ties

Reggie Jackson loomed as the best talent any NBA team could get in the buyout market and the Los Angeles Clippers wasted no time doing so. As most know, they and the Los Angeles Lakers were looking for a playmaker after the original target, Darren Collison, opted to remain retired.

Jackson agreed to a buyout with the Detroit Pistons with the Clippers and Lakers initially seen as next landing spots. Curiously, the purple and gold did not really exert much effort into getting the 29-year-old guard. Initially, most were left befuddled although the Clips may have just exerted more effort than the Lakers. But it appears there is another side of the story.

According to Eric Pincus of the Bleacher Report, there was a business side that hindered a Jackson coming to the Lakers. Jackson was handled by Aaron Mintz of CAA, the same guy who also represents Paul George. Apparently, the working relationship between the Lakers and CAA is not that well and this is allegedly the reason for the pass. Either way, Jackson is the winner here.

The Clippers and the Lakers are two of the favorite teams this NBA season and both ironically were looking for a point guard. With Patrick Beverly sidelined, head coach Doc Rivers has resorted to make-shift point guards. Lou Williams and Landry Shamet have been filling up the void but Rivers knows that this cannot hold up forever. With the arrival of Jackson, the Clippers are looking a whole lot better.

For the Lakers, there is no telling if they still plan to pursue a point guard. Their options are limited right now plus the fact that they need to make room to accommodate another player. Also, it was mentioned in another report that the Lakers were reportedly interested in Maurice Harkless. But unless the New York Knicks buy him out, seeing the 26-year-old in Hollywood again remains unknown.

Unless the Lakers pull off an unforeseen signing outside the names mentioned, the next concern is who gets cut. DeMarcus Cousins, who has not played a single game this season, was mentioned as a logical choice. But from the way Frank Vogel was speaking recently, it appears he plans to play Boogie even with a cramped frontline.