The Los Angeles Lakers fared well in the 2017 NBA Draft when they drafted Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma in the first round that year. Both players have been competent NBA rotational players over their careers so far, although the Lakers chose to move on from them in short order. Now, they might want both players back.
Ball is reportedly on the market with the Bulls and the point guard could be available for cheap given his recent return after three seasons sidelined with an injury. The Lakers are reportedly interested in a potential Ball and Kuzma reunion.
“Along with Kyle Kuzma interest, Los Angeles will be in the market for Chicago’s Lonzo Ball. Chicago is seeking multiple second-round picks. Lonzo is in the final year of his contract at $21.4M.”
Kuzma has been mentioned as a potential Lakers target in larger reports that have indicated their targets around the NBA.
“Other names that have come up in talks with team and league personnel over the past few weeks include Utah’s Walker Kessler and Collin Sexton, Toronto’s Bruce Brown Jr., Portland’s Jerami Grant and Robert Williams III and Washington’s Kyle Kuzma.”
Kuzma won a championship with the Lakers in 2020 before getting shipped to the Washington Wizards in 2021 while Lonzo was among the many pieces that were sent to the New Orleans Pelicans to bring Anthony Davis to the franchise in 2019.
Ball is averaging 5.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists this season. His return from injury has been unconvincing as Ball has picked up different injuries that keep halting his on-court progress.
He’s a great theoretical fit as a solid on-ball defender with a solid shot, but it’s hard to say Ball can handle playing high-intensity Playoff basketball after returning from one of the longest layoffs in modern NBA history.
Kuzma is averaging 15.8 points and 5.6 rebounds in a down season, failing to replicate his impact on the Wizards as he had in years past. He probably regrets turning down a trade to the Dallas Mavericks last season, as Kuzma has looked disengaged in a confusing role on the Wizards who are giving more on-ball reps to their younger stars.
What Would It Cost To Land Both Players?
If the Lakers are serious about making this deal happen, they’ll need to orchestrate two separate deals or one three-team trade where they make room for Ball ($21.4 million) and Kuzma ($23.5 million). Putting together almost $45 million in salary won’t be an easy feat for the Lakers, especially if they intend on protecting Rui Hachimura ($17.0 million).
The Lakers will have to part ways with D’Angelo Russell ($18.6 million), Gabe Vincent ($11.0 million), and Jarred Vanderbilt ($10.7 million), but still need to figure out how to add nearly $6 million to their outgoing salary to accommodate Ball and Kuzma. That could be done by clubbing Jalen Hood-Schifino ($3.8 million) and Christian Wood ($3.0 million).
A deal for Lonzo likely includes Vincent and Vanderbilt to match his $21 million total, with draft picks being an unlikely inclusion given the question marks around Ball. They could add a second because they’re sending two long-term contracts, but that could be negotiated.
A deal for Kuzma will include D’Angelo Russell’s expiring contract alongside sophomore guard Hood-Schifino and Christian Wood, along with a potential first-round pick given other teams are also interested in Kuzma.
Targeting Lonzo seems silly on the Lakers’ part, so if they ditch the idea of that reunion and focus on landing Kuzma, the franchise would be better placed as potential contenders in the latter half of the season.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.
