NBA insider Marc Stein has denied reports that the Los Angeles Lakers made an offer to Cedi Osman before he signed with Panathinaikos.
A report from Eurohoops initially claimed that Osman had turned down a training camp invite from the Lakers, but Stein revealed this was not the case.
Sources close to the situation told Stein that the Lakers did not extend an offer to the Turkish forward.
Despite LeBron James’ well-known fondness for Osman, stemming from their time as teammates with the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Lakers had no viable pathway to adding Osman to the roster.
With 15 guaranteed contracts and the team dangerously close to the second apron of the luxury tax, there was no financial flexibility to sign Osman.
According to Stein, Osman’s decision to sign with Panathinaikos was motivated by the lack of a guaranteed spot in the Lakers’ roster.
Osman had been in talks with several teams, including Real Madrid, but ultimately chose to join the EuroLeague champions.
The 29-year-old spent last season with the San Antonio Spurs, averaging 6.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 17.6 minutes per game.
Osman’s return to Europe marks a shift after seven seasons in the NBA, where he previously built a reputation as a versatile forward.
