Lakers not interested in Eric Bledsoe at max money
By Bryan Rose
It’s difficult to tell if it was simply Eric Bledsoe’s agent attempting to stir up interest in his client or if the Los Angeles Lakers are intrigued with the young guard, but earlier this offseason it was said the Lakers were contemplating a trade for the Phoenix Suns star.
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Of course, nothing ever manifested and the Lakers moved on. However, with Eric Bledsoe and the Phoenix Suns struggling to find middle ground on a contract offer, it’s very possible the former Kentucky star could sign a one-year qualifying offer that would make him an unrestricted free agent at season end.
If such was to happen, Eric Bledsoe would emerge as one of the top free agents on the market (given his restricted status would be removed) and it’s widely assumed the Los Angeles Lakers, who will have plenty of cap space, would have interest.
However, according to Steve Kyler, the Lakers aren’t going to pay him max money if he does become an unrestricted free agent at season end.
.@RambysPro: Assuming Bledsoe signs qualifing offer do you think Bledsoe could be on the Lakers radar in FA? --> Not at MAX money.
— Steve Kyler (@stevekylerNBA) August 25, 2014
While the Lakers may not be willing to eat up a significant portion of their salary cap on Eric Bledsoe, you have to think a desperate team unable to bring in name talent would be willing to break the bank for the guard. Given that, it doesn’t seem very likely that we’ll be seeing Eric Bledsoe as a member of the Lakers anytime in the near future.