The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked with several players this offseason. The purple and gold are always involved in rumors regarding big names, especially Damian Lillard in recent times.
Yet, the Portland Trail Blazers superstar isn’t the only one the Californians could target this offseason. They have more options to add that third star for this squad, and the Western Conference offers more than just Dame Dolla.
Dan Favale of Bleacher Report suggests a sign-and-trade between the Lakers and Spurs to land DeMar DeRozan in exchange for Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, and the No. 22 pick in the 2021 NBA draft.
Will this be the year San Antonio embraces starting anew? It should be. DeMar DeRozan, Rudy Gay and Patty Mills are all free agents, and the roster is otherwise brimming with players on the right side of 25.
The Spurs might decide to re-sign their vets on short-term deals and make the most of 72-year-old Gregg Popovich’s time at the head coaching helm. This scenario does more for their long-term viability.
Kyle Kuzma has improved his defense enough to be viewed as an asset on a three-year, $39 million pact (2023-24 player option). His standstill three-point shooting isn’t knockdown, but it’s good enough. The Spurs should have the runway to plumb the depths of his on-ball offense, an opportunity he hasn’t enjoyed since his rookie season.
Also: Pop hearts Kuz.
Montrezl Harrell doesn’t fit the San Antonio big-man mold, but he’s on an expiring contract, and they could use some rim-running pressure at the 5 spot. The value of No. 22 is self-explanatory: It’s another first-round prospect for a team that should want as many bites at the first-round apple as possible.
This is an interesting idea for the Lakers. They’ve been linked with DeRozan for a while now, and this summer might be the perfect time to land the former Toronto Raptor to create a Big 3 alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Many people think the Lakers need that third-string they couldn’t find in Kuzma to win the championship again. After a tough 2020/21 season, the Californians are ready to get revenge next year, and adding DeMar to the roster would mean a huge upgrade for them.
