While anything is possible, it appears as if the Los Angeles Lakers are down to two different big-name acquisitions, at least as far the Lakers rumors are concerned. As it currently stands, it appears likely that the Lakers will wind up with either Buddy Hield or DeMar DeRozan.
Marc Stein reported that the Lakers’ talks with the Sacramento Kings for Hield appear to be the most advanced. The trade would definitely include Kyle Kuzma and is likely to also include Montrezl Harrell, who opted into his $9.7 million contract for the 2021-22 season at the time of writing this.
With Harrell opt-in, Lakers are able to to move toward completing a deal to acquire Kings guard Buddy Hield for forward Kyle Kuzma and Harrell, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 29, 2021
However, there is also speculation around DeRozan, who has expressed his interest in joining the Lakers. DeRozan is a free agent this offseason and can conduct a sign-and-trade, allowing the Spurs to get something for nothing.
The Spurs are reportedly high on Kuzma and that package would also likely have to include KCP. You could make the case that the Lakers would not have to include the 22nd pick but it would not be surprising if they did.
Financially, DeRozan would likely cost similar to Hield. A $25 million salary is fair for DeRozan, who could realistically sign a four-year, $100 million deal to come play at home in LA.
The trade cost is the same and the salary will be close to the same. That raises the question.
Who is better for the Los Angeles Lakers, Buddy Hield or DeMar DeRozan?
We ranked the players in the Lakers rumors in order of likelihood to be traded for and DeRozan ranked ahead of Hield. But that had more to do with the situation the Spurs are in compared to the situation that the Kings are in.
That has nothing to do with what player would be a better fit. That is what this article is for.
We are going to break down the advantages that Hield has over DeRozan, and then vice versa, to come to a conclusion on which two-guard would be the better fit next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis.