NBA Rumors: Lakers Eyeing Tristan Thompson If Bought Out

The Los Angeles Lakers were shut out at the trade deadline, but now have their sights set on the buyout market for possibilities to improve their roster. And one name on their radar is power forward Tristan Thompson. 

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, "the Los Angeles Lakers are a team to keep an eye on should Thompson agree to a buyout with the Indiana Pacers. He certainly has a lot of relationships there."

As part of the LeBron James-led 2016 NBA Champions in Cleveland, Thompson does have a history with King James. Where that stands now is hilariously up for debate, after this epic trash talk exchange last month:

After attacking the Kings' defense for a basket, LeBron turned to Thompson on the Sacramento bench and screamed "I'm a mother f**king problem, b*tch!!"

With DeAndre Jordan and Dwight Howard getting minimal run in LA, and LeBron and Anthony Davis taking on the bulk of the minutes down low, they could certainly use another big man to help with the rebounding load. Thompson can bang the glass with the best of them. 

Thompson was acquired by the Indiana Pacers last week at the trade deadline, as part of the blockbuster that featured Tyrese Haliburton going from Sacramento to Indy in exchange for center Domantas Sabonis. The Pacers are still considering whether to buy out the 30-year-old Thompson. 

Photo Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports