The Los Angeles Lakers’ appeal has fallen greatly since even Cedi Osman chose Greece over the franchise. Well, that was the narrative being inked over the past few days. For those unaware, the former Cavaliers sharpshooter signed a one-year deal with Greek side Panathinaikos, returning to Europe for the first time since 2011. But did he do so while sidelining a potential spot on the Purple and Gold besides his old mate LeBron James?

Trevor Lane debunked the theory savagely so. While speaking of the situation, the Lakers reporter urged avid followers of the sport to pay attention to details. The reports did say there was a potential spot. But just what was the likelihood of it happening? Lane explained why it was more of a calculated decision rather than Osman’s rejection of the Lakers. There was simply no space for him.

“Cedi Osman doesn’t want to join the Lakers training camp roster because there is no room for him. There is no path to a roster spot. The Lakers have 15 filled sports. If they had 14 and the Lakers called Cedi Osman, pretty damn good chance he’d be with the Lakers in training camp… You look at all these guaranteed contracts that are on the Lakers’ books and these are what the Lakers haters out there want to casually omit from the conversation. Because it’s not as fun that way. Not as juicy that way,” he explained on the Laker Nation podcast.

In order to make space for the 29-year-old, the Lakers would only have a handful of options, all of which depend on improbable hypotheticals. The first would be Osman proving himself to be so proficient that the franchise would trade one of the players with a guaranteed contract to accommodate him. Even if they did, they need to find suitors to take a contract of such minor stature.

The other option was to risk it all and waive one of the players. That would put them over the second apron, hard capping them for the season. Simply put, it would be a reckless move. And it seems the Lakers knew it all along.

Cedi Osman never got a call from the Lakers?

Eurohoops were the first to report that the former Spurs marksman chose to return to Europe over fighting for a roster spot with the Lakers. After having the blueprint of what it would take to land a place, it seems to be an obvious choice. However, at the same time, it does pose a question about the Lakers’ awareness of the matter. And Marc Stein’s sources claim they never approached the 29-year-old in the first place.

“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 dating to their days as Cavaliers teammates,” Stein reported.

The way to a contract for Osman was always tricky. And it seems Rob Pelinka and the Laker front office knew of it exactly. The only way that there is a chance in the Lakers’ roster now seems to be if there is a trade. The prospect of a team-altering component has been signaled since the very start of free agency.

The only wait is to see whether Pelinka is willing to be generous in order to gain the right player. Do you think the Lakers will welcome a difference maker or will they remain the same? Let us know your views in the comments below.