The Lakers‘ trade options this winter may be somewhat limited, given their lack of mid-level contracts and the fact that three of their players have the ability to veto deals. However, if they’re willing to move Kyle Kuzma, it could open up some doors.
In an Insider-only article for ESPN.com, Kevin Pelton and Bobby Marks explore the Lakers’ trade possibilities, noting that packaging Kuzma with both Quinn Cook and DeMarcus Cousins would be enough for the team to bring back a player earning up to $13.5MM.
While ESPN’s duo offers a few ideas for potential targets, Pelton and Marks agree that Timberwolves forward Robert Covington should be “Option A” for L.A in that scenario. According to Marks, Minnesota will likely have the ability to create a bidding war for Covington if he’s shopped leading up to the deadline, so the Lakers’ package wouldn’t necessarily be enough — especially since the Wolves may prioritize acquiring a point guard.
Here’s more on the Lakers:
- Within that same ESPN Insider article, Marks questions Kuzma’s overall trade value, while Pelton argues the young forward would be more valuable to another team that could benefit more from his shot creation. While there were reports during last year’s Anthony Davis trade talks with the Pelicans that the Lakers insisted on keeping Kuzma, Marks says he heard from reliable sources that New Orleans was actually focused on Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball anyway.
- Within a mailbag article, Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register looks at some of the potential factors involved in a Kuzma trade with the Kings or another team, while also addressing LeBron James‘ groin issue and Rajon Rondo‘s up-and-down play.
- With the Lakers set to host the Knicks on Tuesday night, Julius Randle revisited the end of his tenure in Los Angeles in 2018, suggesting that it “wasn’t the right situation” for him, as Marc Berman of The New York Post relays. “Do I wish it would’ve worked out differently? I don’t get into what-ifs,” Randle said. “It worked out how it was supposed to. I’m happy where I’m at now. Everything in life happens for a reason. Highs and lows of life happens for a reason. It made me the person I am today and I’m extremely happy to be a Knick.”
Lakers would be better off trying to get a high 1st or couple late round 1sts for Kuzma and wait till veterans get bought out to build the bench. Maybe target someone like Evan Turner if/when he gets bought out.
Or just keep him.
Who’s dealing a high 1st for Kuzma? He’s always hurt and is close to wrapping up his rookie contract
Kings have reportedly discussed it I believe, according to another post on here
Grizziles for igudola and there 1st round pick. Kuzma fits ja morants and jaren jacksons jrs window. There pick is projected between 10-15
Yeah the financials of this don’t work..
Randle had me until he said he was ‘happy to be a Knick’. Pants are on fire bro.
Lmfao “pants are on fire.” I’m dead.
Can see a couple of 3 team deals for Pat Riley to put up the 2025 & 2027 1st lottery protected for Kuzma.
It would be a very bold move on his part. Yet very similar to the deal he made with the Sun’s for Goran Dragic.
Granted Kuzma hasn’t been an All Star lately but is still pretty young.
Maybe the Heat can teach him defense as well.
When was Kuzma ever an All Star?
Back when harden played defense and westbrick passed the ball
Randle sounds bitter because he was replaced by a superior player in lebron james. “Happy to be a knick.” Actually comes across as “happy knicks overpaid me to be a knick”
He suck and overpaid
Kyle Kuzma for Jarrett Allen
Or
Kyle Kuzma for Derrick White
Option A:
Lakers get a young centre to go with AD, and together the Lakers would have a strong future defensively.
Nets promote Jordan to start at centre, Kuzma is the new starting PF gives the team another point scorer. Nets core Irving LeVert Durant Kuzma Jordan, Dinwiddie Prince off the bench.
Option 2:
Lakers get a Point Guard that is both young and a good piece for the future and a player that’ll contribute to a playoff push. White is 25, 6’4, can play either guard spot and in 23 minutes is averting 10-3-3 shooting 47-37-78.
Spurs decide to make Murray their future PG and lock him in full time. They get back Kuzma who can give team an improvement in shooting and replace Aldridge.
Personally I think the Second option is better for the Lakers and would be a smart move for the Spurs. The first option wouldn’t be bad either for the Lakers and I think the Nets would love it.
Spurs could make a DDR or Aldridge trade and get another coupe young pieces or picks to completely go young and start fresh. I’d recommend Gary Harris for DDR, Murray and Harris would be great under Pop.
I have been a Kuzma critic but I’m suprised that him, Cousins & Cook is not enough for Covington. I would not call Cousins finished.
Kuzma’s rep was high in LA at trading time, with all the talk of Ingram’s clotting. I think Pelinka was holding on to Kuz the most. Pels/Griffin can claim otherwise if they want but I doubt their claim made via news items.
Bet the Lakers would’ve rather kept Ingram now. Bron at the 1, green Ingram AD and McGee would be a really nice line up. Ingram is a good defender and scorer, might not suit the playing style but would make a good line up. Would’ve also helped when Bron is on the bench and as Ingram can ball handle and Cook can be a shooter