These Lakers rumors are false! There’s nothing here for both teams.
It bears repeating that the conversations that Rob Pelinka is having with multiple NBA teams is part of the job description. Most outlets are making this rumor more than what it is. The bottom line is, if the Lakers unload Kyle Kuzma, the price will be high.
The Lakers would have to get back a borderline starter (Point guard more than likely!) who could be a consistent playmaker to team with LeBron James and Anthony Davis to get to the Finals. That’s to start. The major coup will be squeezing a high first-round draft pick to start replacing draft picks lost in the AD deal. that projects to be in or around the lottery.
Another option to consider is two potential lesser first-round picks in upcoming drafts.
Thanks to the Davis deal, the cupboard is bare by way of draft picks. The Lakers owe their 2021 first-rounder to the Pelicans. Now if the pick falls between 8 and 30 (Hello? The Lakers are walking into the playoffs!) the pick will transfer. The Pelicans also own the right to swap picks with the Lakers in 2023 and to take the Lakers’ pick in either 2024 or 2025.
Because first-round picks can’t be traded in consecutive years based on the Stepien Rule, the Lakers can’t trade a first-rounder in any deal coming up.
The Lakers rumors will keep coming, but this one will not happen. Plus if you saw Kyle Kuzma’s performance against the Dallas Mavericks, it shows the potential is much more an asset than Robert Covington could be for the Los Angeles Lakers.