JUST NOW: New Twist Emerges in Lakers’ Reported Pursuit of Cedi Osman

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It was recently reported that LeBron James’ former teammate Cedi Osman rejected a training camp offer from the Lakers to join European team Panathinaikos. However, long-time NBA insider Marc Stein is disputing that claim.

Eurohoops’ Nikola Miloradovic initially reported that Osman turned down the Lakers’ invitation due to “a lack of guarantees.” But according to Stein, no such offer was extended. “It has been reported in Europe that Turkish swingman Cedi Osman turned down a training camp invite from the Lakers before signing with Panathinaikos in Greece, but sources close to the situation told *The Stein Line* that no such offer was extended by L.A., despite LeBron James’ well-known fondness for Osman from their days as Cavaliers teammates,” Stein wrote in his substack.

Stein also noted that Osman’s deal with Panathinaikos is for one year, with an option to return to the NBA if he receives a desirable offer.

The Lakers have already filled their 15-man roster, with players like D’Angelo Russell, Christian Wood, Cam Reddish, and Jaxon Hayes picking up their player options. To accommodate Osman, the Lakers would have needed to make a consolidation trade to clear a roster spot.

Osman spent six seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers, including the 2017-18 season alongside LeBron. Last season, he played for the San Antonio Spurs, where his production dipped to 6.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game in 72 contests, the lowest since his rookie season.

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