Los Angeles Lakers: An offseason trade target from each Central team

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 31: Derrick Rose #25 of the Detroit Pistons plays against the Toronto Raptors at Little Caesars Arena on January 31, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 31: Derrick Rose #25 of the Detroit Pistons plays against the Toronto Raptors at Little Caesars Arena on January 31, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers’ potential trade target: Doug McDermott

If the Indiana Pacers were shopping Doug McDermott or were even just open to the idea of trading the forward then the Los Angeles Lakers would be foolish to not jump all over it. Heck, I would trade Kuzma in a heartbeat for McDermott, as he fits the Lakers perfectly.

The problem with Kuzma on the Lakers is not that he is not talented. The fit is simply redundant. He is another forward that is simply behind Anthony Davis and LeBron James that does not add the two most important things that are needed: defense and three-point shooting.

McDermott may not be a great defender, but he is an elite three-point shooter and if the Pacers have bigger plans and get the right offer then it would not be surprising to move on from their depth forward.

If he became a Laker, it would be a match made in heaven.

He would essentially slot in as the third forward, which Kuzma currently is, and would add an instant scoring boost with his 44.5 percent three-point shot this season. Yeah, he is lights out.

His contract is similar to Rose’s and it is manageable and heck, even if the Pacers are not openly shopping McDermott, that first-round pick alongside Kuzma should be more than enough to peak their interest.