Coming off an impressive title run, the Los Angeles Lakers have no incentive to go sniffing around the trade market right now. With LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and a supporting cast capable of carrying the load, the Lakers are in a good position to win moving forward.
Still, it doesn’t mean they have no chance of making a move this season and, according to Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report, one name has already surfaced on the rumor mill: young forward Kyle Kuzma.
“The Lakers won’t, and shouldn’t, be looking to make a blockbuster trade at the deadline, with their core all playing important roles. The only player remotely worth shopping is Kuzma, as the 25-year-old is now under a reasonable three-year, $39 million extension (including the player option) that kicks in next season. He’s one of the few attractive trade pieces left on L.A.’s roster, even if the Lakers need him as a scorer and floor-spacer off the bench.”
If L.A. feels they could use an extra punch next to their core duo, they could use Kuzma to help get it. The 25-year-old forward is an offensive juggernaut with loads of untapped potential.
The question is: who could the Lakers get in return? Obviously, they prefer an experienced veteran who they could plug next to LeBron James. We’ll have to see if trading Kuz will be enough for that type of return.
This season, he’s averaging 9.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game on 43.6% shooting.
