Los Angeles Lakers: 3 potential trade packages for Kyle Kuzma

By Jason Reed | Jun 12, 2021

ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 26: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers runs up the court against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on April 26, 2021 in Orlando, 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 Alex Menendez/Getty Images) /

2 of 4

(Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

1. The Los Angeles Lakers get a playmaking point guard in Ricky Rubio

One of the things the Los Angeles Lakers need this offseason is a secondary playmaker that can help LeBron James create as well as create for LeBron. LeBron is not getting any younger and adding this dynamic is more important than it might have been two years ago.

The Lakers had a great dynamic with Rajon Rondo that worked really well in the playoffs en route to the NBA Championship. Dennis Schroder was then brought in when Rondo was overpaid by the Atlanta Hawks and the dynamic was not the same.

Schroder put up good box score numbers but he did not initiate in the way that the Lakers needed. Thus, they are likely going to have to go out and get someone who could create. Enter Ricky Rubio.

The trade:

Rubio is entering the last year of his deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves and his contract nearly matches up perfectly with Kuzma’s extension. The Lakers would get that secondary playmaker who is much more of a traditional point guard like Rondo.

Minnesota flips one year of Rubio for multiple years of Kuzma, who they can add to the young core as they bolster the depth of the team. Any team in the Timberwolves situation should be looking to flip one year of Rubio for multiple years of a younger player, especially with D’Angelo Russell on the roster.

Throw in a future second-round pick for the Lakers and this trade helps both parties.

Home/Lakers Rumors