🆕 Inside Pass from @ShamsCharania
◻️ Bradley Beal mulling future with Wizards
◻️ Lakers and Kings have discussed Buddy Hield trade
◻️ Sixers, Lakers, Mavericks, Pelicans and Heat expected to be top suitors for Kyle Lowry https://t.co/gz2KP4LTjW— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) July 25, 2021
— The Los Angeles Lakers are pursuing a third stellar player who provides playmaking and shot creation around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, sources said.
The Lakers are expected to show interest in several free agents such as Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan and Spencer Dinwiddie, according to sources, but another scenario has gained some traction.
The Lakers and Sacramento Kings have discussed a deal centered on guard Buddy Hield, sources tell The Athletic. Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma would be involved in a potential package, per sources. The Lakers have received interest from several teams regarding Kuzma, sources said.
The Lakers used their treasure chest of assets — such as promising young players in Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball, and draft picks — in the Davis trade with New Orleans in 2019, which makes a superstar trade for a player like Beal or a superstar signing like Chris Paul impossible. The Lakers are expected to have the taxpayer mid-level exception at their disposal this offseason, which is not close to what Paul would command in free agency, nor would the Suns entertain a sign-and-trade with a fellow Western Conference rival. For the Lakers, the offseason is expected to be a quest for a third playmaker and shot-creator — not a faulty pursuit for a star player.
After capturing the 2020 NBA championship, the Lakers fell to the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the playoffs. James and Davis missed 27 and 36 games, respectively, during the 72-game season. A title run always takes a combination of work ethic, talent, culture and, yes, luck. Lakers head coach Frank Vogel and GM Rob Pelinka maintained a positive mindset throughout the season, falling back on their championship experience from 2020, but injuries to key players are difficult to overcome.
LakerTom says
Buddy’s always been my top option at shooting guard.
Elite high volume, high percentage 3-point shooter.
There’s been smoke about this trade for the last two years.
This may be the year when there is also fire.
LakerTom says
Lakers will need to add another contract to Kuzma ($13M) to match salaries for Buddy ($22M). Priority will be to include KCP to get out of both contracts.
That would leave Harrell and the MLE to use to get a starting point guard and small forward. How about Harrell to Hornets for Devonte Graham. Then a small forward for the MLE.
Jamie Sweet says
Kyle and Kuzma going out would mean freeing up more space for us but I suspect the deal would more likely include Trezz as the Kings are light on bigs.
Jamie Sweet says
It’s this tier of talent I feel like the Lakers would do well to pursue. The economy sedan level, not the Lambo. Role-players net other role-players, not superstars.
Michael H says
Adding Mckinnie to the deal would be enough.
Michael H says
Trading both Kuz and KCP for Buddy would eliminate the chance of signing Westbrook. And you may need to find a 3rd team to take Dennis if the Raptors are not interested in any Lowery trade. Depending on what Lowery wants you may need to find another team for Trez as well.
LakerTom says
I’ve always liked the idea of trading Trezz to the Hornets as they covet him in free agency and have the cap space. If Trezz declines his player option and opts into his last year, I would save him for a trade with Charlotte. Maybe Devonte Graham, who is a high volume and percentage 3-point shooter who is also an outstanding playmaker with very high assists to turnover ratio.
LakerTom says
While I’m fascinated with the idea of trading for Westbrook and Hield, I just ran the numbers on adding the two of them via trade and keeping THT and the numbers are crazy. Salaries total $183.7M, taxes total $168.6M, total payroll of $352.3M. I doubt even the most rabid Lakers fan would be willing to pay that much money for Westbrook and Hield.