Lakers rumors will be picking up steam as the NBA Draft and free agency gets closer and closer, but this one may make sense. A reported deal containing Kyle Kuzma and Buddy Hield. Lake Show Life breaks down the potential deal and why this trade may be more than the Lakers rumors floating around the internet.
The Los Angeles Lakers rumors cycle is starting turn and it’s not going to stop this week leading up to the 2021 NBA Draft on Thursday and after the NBA free agency period starts next weekend. On Friday the NBA world was on edge about the possibility of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan being interested in joining the team. Lake Show Life covered the situation and the comment section exploded.
The Los Angeles Lakers are clickbait gold to writers and a negotiation tool for NBA teams. In all actuality, no one knows what will happen at least until the night before the draft because Rob Pelinka discusses his moves in press conferences after the fact. But here’s a list of things that are not Lakers rumors.
- The Lakers franchise and fanbase is not satisfied with their first-round playoff exit in 2021.
- They are prioritizing shooting and playmaking in the offseason.
- The options for getting those priorities met are limited due to the salary cap and upcoming decisions on some free agents.
- LeBron James is not getting any younger.
- Dennis Schroder’s situation is becoming a bigger challenge with each passing day.
- The Lakers are offering Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in a package that includes front row Staples Center tickets next Jack Nicholson and Denzel Washington (Okay the last part is Lakers rumors!).
But on ESPN’s “Woj and Lowe Draft Special”, NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the Lakers have offered their two most tradeable role player contracts to just about every team in the league and how it ties into the future of Dennis Schroder.
Breaking down free agent guard Dennis Schroder and the Lakers on the Woj & Lowe Show pic.twitter.com/fFjJTXDgj4
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 25, 2021
Earlier Sunday morning, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the Lakers have been in trade talks with the Sacramento Kings about Buddy Hield, with the center piece being forward Kyle Kuzma. Charania stated the trade is starting to gain traction. He also reported that multiple teams have inquired about Kuzma.
The Lakers and Kings have discussed a trade centered on Buddy Hield, per @ShamsCharania.
— Ball Don’t Lie (@Balldontlie) July 25, 2021
Kyle Kuzma would reportedly be involved in the deal. pic.twitter.com/psKrk3bBJ2
Let’s spare Lakers Nation of rehashing Kyle Kuzma’s disappointing season with regression of his effectiveness. Anyone tired of hearing about how prior to the Anthony Davis trade, Kuzma was one of the best offensive options on the roster? How about his struggle with his new role?
No. Let’s deal with the here and now.
Understand that a lot can happen between now and the free agency period, so don’t expect this trade to become set in stone. Hield has also been a part of Ben Simmons rumors, so we could potentially see the 76ers rumor to break out over the week. It’s not like he won’t linked with the Lake Show in free agency too right?
Over the next several pages Lake Show Life will break down the possible Buddy Hield/Kyle Kuzma deal from angles. Why now? How these two can help their destinations and how the salaries add up. If it doesn’t happen, don’t be surprised. These teams haven’t done a deal since the 1992-93 season. Who was that Lakers player? Kurt Rambis.
Sacramento has had their eyes on Kuzma for quite a while thanks to this guy…