View full size

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Ramon Sessions' name has been linked to trade rumors since the June night the Cavaliers selected Kyrie Irving in the draft.

The asset-poor New York Knicks were believed to have interest in the backup point guard as the lockout ended, but plucked an injured Baron Davis from waivers instead. Now, comes a Yahoo report the Los Angeles Lakers have inquired about Sessions.

Cavaliers General Manager Chris Grant wouldn't be doing his job if he weren't listening to offers. Sessions and starting power forward Antawn Jamison are the Cavaliers most likely to be dealt before the March 15 deadline.

The Lakers' interest in Sessions is understandable given their need for a veteran point guard to back up 37-year-old Derek Fisher. With Steve Blake injured, they have turned to rookies Andrew Goudelock and Darius Morris. The Lakers also reportedly are considering free agent Gilbert Arenas.

The rebuilding Cavaliers might be tempted to part with Sessions for a first-round pick. The Lakers have their own and a top-20 protected first rounder acquired from Dallas in the Lamar Odom deal. But it's hard to imagine the Lakers parting with either first rounder until they know what's happening with the Dwight Howard saga.

In other words, don't expect a deal for Sessions to get done immediately, if at all. He is making $4.3 million this season and has a player option for $4.6 million for the 2012-13 season. It's unclear whether Sessions plans to exercise the option. It's believed he hasn't made that decision.

The Lakers easily could absorb Sessions' contract with the $8.9-million trade exception received in the Odom deal. He is averaging 9.1 points, 4.3 assists and 21 minutes in support of Irving, whose minutes figure to grow.

Yes, Sessions is shooting just 34 percent, but if he were dealt to a contender he'd be asked primarily to organize and run an offense, not supply points. The Lakers aren't going to be the only contender looking for a veteran point guard between now and the deadline. Grant can afford to be patient.