The L.A. Lakers have been linked to two players in the last week. First, they reportedly had interest in drafting DeAndre Ayton…
The Lakers are reportedly trying to trade LA’s prized rookie Kyle Kuzma while sending out their former first-round pick D’Angelo Russell to the Nets in a three-way deal. The Lakers would send Brandon Ingram, Julius Randle, Brook Lopez, a future first-round pick, and a 2019 second-round pick to the Nets in a deal that would also be completed with the Boston Celtics.
The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly seeking a third team to help facilitate a trade for forward Kyle Kuzma. It’s not clear what kind of trade it would take, and the team is looking for a third team to help facilitate a trade for Kuzma. Going long on a player who has never played in a meaningful NBA game isn’t a good plan, but the Lakers’ brass is reportedly determined to see how Kuzma responds during training camp. So, whether Kuzma will be able to help the Lakers in the immediate future is still an open question.. Read more about lakers news and let us know what you think.
The Los Angeles Lakers are already mulling about options for improving their squad, one of which may be dealing Kyle Kuzma for Sacramento Kings guard Kyle Kuzma.
Should any of those two experienced players be available, the Lakers may choose to acquire a star-caliber player like Chris Paul or Russell Westbrook. Los Angeles may make a play for DeMar DeRozan or Kyle Lowry, who are both free agents.
In any event, LA will almost certainly need to make sign-and-trade moves to avoid financial problems, and Kuzma seems to be an asset who might be part of such a transaction, if not an outright transfer.
Kyle Kuzma’s role has been reduced in recent seasons.
Kyle Kuzma had a good season with the Lakers, but he suffered hard in the postseason. The team’s decision on whether he is more valuable to them as a role player or in a trade for an improvement will have a big impact on how their summer goes. https://t.co/5Df4Wdq2Oa
July 21, 2021 — Silver Screen and Roll (@LakersSBN)
There was a period when Kuzma seemed to be a possible Purple and Gold building block.
In the 2017 NBA Draft, the Lakers chose Kuzma with the 27th overall selection. In his first season, the former Utah product averaged 16.1 points and 6.3 rebounds while shooting 36.6 percent from beyond the arc. In his second season, he showed greater promise, averaging 18.7 points and forming a friendship with Lakers rookie LeBron James.
While the Lakers were content to include Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball in the Anthony Davis deal, Kuzma chose to remain in Los Angeles. The Lakers appeared to believe in his potential as a No. 3 player with James and Davis.
Kuzma’s role, on the other hand, has shrunk during the past two seasons. During the 2019-20 season, he mainly served as a sixth man and saw his minutes drop during the team’s first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns.
Kuzma has also been linked to a trade, and the speculation has persisted this summer. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Lakers have gotten interest in Kuzma from “many teams,” with the Lakers hoping to use that interest to sway a large deal.
Buddy Hield’s future with the Lakers has been questioned.
@ShamsCharania gives you an inside look.
The Sixers, Lakers, Mavericks, Pelicans, and Heat are believed to be top suitors for Kyle Lowry. Bradley Beal is considering his future with the Wizards. The Lakers and Kings have explored a Buddy Hield deal. https://t.co/gz2KP4LTjW
July 25, 2021 — The Athletic (@TheAthletic)
If the Lakers don’t get a star, they could do a lot worse than bringing in Buddy Hield.
According to Charania, the Lakers have explored a trade for Sacramento Kings 2-guard Kyle Kuzma, with Kuzma being the centerpiece of a possible return package for Sacramento. Hield would undoubtedly meet one of LA’s most pressing requirements.
Three-point attempts were 24th and three-point percentage was 21st for the Lakers. Considering James is best served when surrounded by shooters, they aren’t terrific statistics. Hield, on the other hand, may light it up from the depths.
Hield has a career percentage of 40.6 percent from beyond the arc. He hit over 39% from three-point range on 10.2 tries a game last season, and he can make catch-and-shoot triples as well as threes off the dribble.
On the ball, the 28-year-old has improved his playmaking. Following a season in which he averaged 3.0 assists, Hield had a career-high 3.6 assists this past season. His ability to make a play off the bounce may relieve James of some of the playmaking duties.
Is it possible for the Lakers to perform better?
Is a Kuzma-Hield trade for the Lakers a good idea? | Getty Images/Ezra Shaw
The Lakers are casting a broad net, possibly in the hopes of acquiring a star with assets like Kuzma and others.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (via SB Nation’s Jacob Rude), the Lakers have offered some combination of Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to a number of clubs across the league. It’s obvious that the Lakers are attempting to determine the trade worth of their players and if they can wrangle a great player out of a potential deal.
Purchasing Hield, on the other hand, would likely require less assets and draft money. He’s a valuable contributor, but he’s not a star like Paul or Westbrook.
Rob Pelinka, the general manager of the Los Angeles Lakers, is expected to continue to scout his alternatives. However, given the difficulties in obtaining a star or signing a free agent like DeRozan or Lowry, it’s conceivable that making a trade for Hield is the best option right now.
Basketball Reference provided the statistics.
RELATED: LeBron James and Anthony Davis Could Join DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry on the Lakers, According to Reports
The Lakers are reportedly looking to trade Kyle Kuzma and his expiring contract. If the L.A. brass can find a suitable trade partner, they may look to unload Kuzma’s $7.5 million salary. By trading Kuzma, the Lakers could save $2.5 million in salary and still have enough cap space to pursue a long term contract for LeBron James.. Read more about kyle kuzma contract and let us know what you think.
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