Los Angeles Lakers: 1 potential trade target from each non-playoff team

By Jason Reed | Jul 3, 2021

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(Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Minnesota Timberwolves: Ricky Rubio

Ricky Rubio is someone who the Los Angeles Lakers could legitimately trade Kyle Kuzma straight up for. That might not be the most appealing trade for the Laker fans who are holding out hope on Kuzma but it would make the team better as it would add a better fit to the roster.

Kuzma’s trade value is not as high as some people think it is, although he could be part of a package in a Dennis Schroder sign-and-trade if that happens. If that does not happen, and the Lakers are looking at packages centered around Kuzma, Rubio is a solid option.

The Lakers need that secondary playmaker who can take some of the facilitating duties from LeBron James and the team lacked that last season. Rajon Rondo was such a good fit on the Lakers and that showed in the playoffs. Schroder was not.

Rubio would essentially be the new version of Rondo, coming off the bench for the Lakers and running the offense when LeBron was off the court. The two could also share time on the court as well as Rubio could help create for LeBron.

Rubio is not a big scoring threat from deep and is someone who will get his points at the basket when he can but that is okay. Surround him with shooters and a solid big in the second unit and he would do just fine in LA.

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