Los Angeles Lakers rumors: Ranking the rumored targets by likelihood

By Jason Reed | Jul 28, 2021

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 14: Buddy Hield #24 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball up court against the Washington Wizards during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on April 14, 2021 in Sacramento, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Ben Green/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers rumors /

2. Buddy Hield

All signs are pointing to Buddy Hield being traded by the Sacramento Kings and the Los Angeles Lakers appear to be one of the final suitors for the young guard. Hield is similar to Kyle Kuzma in that there have always been trade rumors connected to his name, which is fitting considering the two would likely be traded for each other.

Hield would definitely fit into the mold of being the Lakers’ third scorer much better than Kuzma has. Kuzma has gotten two ears to step up in that role and simply has not done so while Hield has been one of the better young scorers in the league.

He is not someone that is going to will a team to the playoffs and you probably are not even a title contender if he is your second-best player. As your third-best player and third scoring option, Hield is fantastic.

Hield is making $22.4 million this season and the package would likely be along the lines of Kyle Kuzma, KCP and the 22nd overall pick in the draft. Quite frankly, though, that is likely not enough as other teams definitely can offer more.

To get this done the Lakers would probably have to package Kuzma with Talen Horton-Tucker and the draft pick. That definitely is enough to get the deal done but would the Lakers trade THT for Hield? That is the unknown.

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