Los Angeles Lakers: 3 Reasons they should not pursue Derrick Rose

– Would likely cost Kuzma

While there were not any names mentioned in the report, it is safe to bet that most trade talks involving the Lakers are going to start with Kyle Kuzma. Even though Kuzma has not played well this season, he is still in his third season, and playing with James and Davis is a huge adjustment for a young player looking to be the third option.

With James in the past, we have seen players like Kevin Love and Chris Bosh become third options after being the main guys earlier in their careers. For Kuzma, he is asked to be the third option for a team with James on it at a much younger age than Bosh and Love.

In addition to being asked to be the third star on a title contender this season, Kuzma also missed a lot of time this summer. Missing time due to injury in training camp and the preseason is never good for a young player going into a new role.

Recently, Kuzma has been showing some signs of life. In the absence of Anthony Davis, Kuzma has certainly found his scoring stroke. For the Lakers, Kuzma is still a very valuable young player. Considering they moved pretty much everyone else for Davis, Kuzma figures to be part of the long-term plan.

If the Lakers were to move Kuzma, trading him for a veteran like Rose, with his best days behind him, doesn’t seem like the smartest move for the franchise in the future.