Lakers Rumors: Raja Bell Just Another Distraction in Disastrous Season

According to Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld.com, there are conflicting reports as to Raja Bell's future in the NBA. All rumors appear to be centered around the Los Angeles Lakers. 

All Bell is proving to be is another distraction in a disastrous season for the Lakers.

Bell is currently a member of the Utah Jazz. He possesses an expiring contract, but is making $3.48 million in 2012-13.

Perhaps most notably, Bell is 36 years old.

The speculation surrounding Bell potentially becoming a Laker has been mounting for months. Most recently, current Lakers head coach Mike D'Antoni expressed his intrigue in acquiring Bell (via Yahoo! Sports).

Per Kennedy, Bell is telling those close to him that he will join the Lakers.

Sources tell Kennedy that the Utah Jazz are unlikely to allow that to transpire.

Utah is in direct competition with the Lakers for a postseason berth.

The Lakers are currently 3.5 games behind the Jazz for seventh in the Western Conference playoff picture. For that reason, it is unlikely that Utah would do anything to help L.A. improve.

So why must we continue to harp on this potential acquisition?

With the team having played through a season plagued by injuries and trade rumors, Bell's potential signing has created nothing but another distraction. This is not Bell's fault, but more so the media.

At every twist and turn, analysts and fans alike have proposed the reaction of Kobe Bryant's former rival.

Bell may be able to help the Lakers if he does, in fact, join the team. Until that time comes, however, just one thing is understood.

Without a contract being signed, the talks are just that—talks.