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NBA Rumors: Ranking Lakers’ rumored trade targets for 17th pick

By Jason Reed

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 25: Dorian Finney-Smith #28 of the Brooklyn Nets in action against the Miami Heat during the second quarter at Miami-Dade Arena on March 25, 2023 in Miami, 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 Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 25: Dorian Finney-Smith #28 of the Brooklyn Nets in action against the Miami Heat during the second quarter at Miami-Dade Arena on March 25, 2023 in Miami, 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 Megan Briggs/Getty Images) /
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Buddy Hield Lakers
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) – Buddy Hield Lakers /

3. Buddy Hield

Buddy Hield is one of the players connected to the Los Angeles Lakers because of course he is. There is no other player in the NBA that has been connected to the Lakers as much as Hield, dating back to his days with the Sacramento Kings.

Some fans might be shocked to see him check in at No. 3 on this list with two players ahead of him. On paper, Hield is exactly what the Lakers should be trying to get as he shot lights-out from beyond the arc last season at a high output.

That being said, Hield isn’t always consistent in shooting above 40% from three. He shot just 36.6% from three during the 2021-22 season and at that rate, with no real value on defense, he essentially becomes what Malik Beasley was for the Lakers.

The Lakers can manage their assets in a better way

If the Lake Show is going to trade for Hield then it would likely take Malik Beasley, Mo Bamba and the 17th pick. For Indiana, this package would be incredible. They would get someone who can do 90% of what Hield does next season in Beasley, salary relief from waving Bamba and would get a mid-first-round pick.

Hield would fit fine in LA and would be an upgrade from Beasley but it would not be a big enough upgrade to warrant the assets being traded. Does Hield really make or break an NBA Finals run? It would be just like when the team traded Danny Green for a marginal upgrade in Dennis Schroder, missing out on Desmond Bane in the 2020 NBA Draft in the process.

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