The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly contacted the New York Knicks about a possible trade for guard Iman Shumpert. Although nothing is imminent, the Lakers are considering make a trade for Shumpert to bolster their backcourt, according to ESPN's Chris Broussard.
Injuries to Steve Nash, Jordan Farmar and Steve Blake have depleted the Lakers' backcourt and prompted the team to inquire about the availability of Shumpert.
"No trade is imminent, and sources say the Lakers' call was more about doing their due diligence; it's well-known Shumpert is available," Broussard wrote on Sunday. "The Lakers are unlikely to make a deal before the end of their current four-game trip, which concludes Tuesday night in Memphis."
If the Lakers were to make the trade, Broussard believes Kobe Bryant and Shumpert, a defensive-minded 2-guard, could co-exist.
"Shumpert is more of a shooting guard, but with Bryant taking on more of a playmaking role - 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," Broussard wrote.
Broussard also mentioned the possibility of a trade featuring Pau Gasol for Tyson Chandler, although Broussard said the Knicks are not looking to deal Chandler unless a team takes J.R. Smith's contract too.
The Denver Nuggets and Toronto Raptors have also been mentioned over the last month as potential trade partners for Shumpert, the No. 17 pick of the 2011 NBA draft. Shumpert is a proven perimeter defender, but his production on offense leaves much to be desired.
Shumpert is struggling this season (6.6 ppg, 4.4 rpg), something Knicks general manager Steve Mills reportedly blames on coach Mike Woodson's use of the 23-year-old when Mills discusses Shumpert with other teams.
Shumpert has career averages of 8.0 points, 2.2 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game.
