Los Angeles Lakers: Who to Trade and Who to Keep

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 9: Jordan Clarkson #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers puts his head on the shoulder of head coach Luke Walton of the Los Angeles Lakers as he waits to check back into the game with rest of his teammates D'Angelo Russell #1 Julius Randle #30 and Larry Nance Jr. #7 during the second half of the basketball game against Minnesota Timberwolves at Staples Center April 9, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 9: Jordan Clarkson #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers puts his head on the shoulder of head coach Luke Walton of the Los Angeles Lakers as he waits to check back into the game with rest of his teammates D'Angelo Russell #1 Julius Randle #30 and Larry Nance Jr. #7 during the second half of the basketball game against Minnesota Timberwolves at Staples Center April 9, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 09: Vince Carter /

Nance, Randle, and the Crowded Frontcourt

The Lakers have a very crowded frontcourt on their roster. They’ve got Kyle Kuzma, Larry Nance Jr., Julius Randle, Brook Lopez, Thomas Bryant, and Ivica Zubac. Brook Lopez may not be on the Lakers next season, but Kyle Kuzma has been a huge contributor for the Lakers and seems to be the starter for the foreseeable future in the stretch 4 role.

That leaves both Nance and Randle vying for minutes in a role behind Kuzma. This wouldn’t really be a problem, except for the fact that Randle is going to be a restricted free agent in the offseason and will be getting some money coming his way. Will the Lakers be willing to match another team’s large qualifying offer just to have Randle come off the bench?  If they do, would that just create a situation with Nance where he’s left off the team in 2019, when his contract is up?