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Why the Los Angeles Lakers should pursue a trade for Nemanja Bjelica

By Jason Reed

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 13: Nemanja Bjelica #88 of the Sacramento Kings moves the ball against Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter at The Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 13, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 13: Nemanja Bjelica #88 of the Sacramento Kings moves the ball against Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter at The Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 13, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. The Los Angeles Lakers won’t have to trade much for Nemanja Bjelica

Not only do the Los Angeles Lakers not have the classic tradeable contracts that often lead to a deal, but they do not have that much capital to trade, either. Nearly everyone who is on the team is on the team to contribute this year and the Lakers are tied up in draft picks from the Anthony Davis trade.

The Lakers have two young assets, both of which are very unlikely to be moved this season. Kyle Kuzma has had his fair share of trade rumors but he is playing much better this season and has evaded any talks of a trade.

And rightfully so.

MUST-READ: Kyle Kuzma has been the most improved player on the Los Angeles Lakers

Talen Horton-Tucker is the other young piece and you could at least make a case for the Lakers trading him. There is the potential of another team offering him a contract in the offseason that the Lakers cannot match. However, the Lakers are really high on THT, and trading him just because there is a small fear of them losing him likely won’t happen.

This prices the Lakers out of some of the bigger trade chips. Bjelica, however, is someone who the team could absolutely afford.

Bjelica is in the last year of his contract and is having a down season on a young Sacramento Kings team that would benefit from getting the younger players more playing time. Quite frankly, Bjelica is in a position to be bought out, so anything the Kings can get would be ideal for the team.

The only concern is the Kings being petty and not wanting to willingly help the Lakers get better. That would be extremely foolish for them, though, as they still should be in the business of maximizing the team in any way possible.

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