Apart from selecting Bronny James and Dalton Knecht in the 2024 NBA Draft and appointing JJ Redick as their new head coach, the Los Angeles Lakers haven’t had many victories this summer. Notable free agents like Buddy Hield and Klay Thompson, who chose to play for other teams rather than the Lakers, have been difficult for the franchise to sign.
In light of this, Los Angeles’ best chance to pull off a major off-season move may lie in the trade market. Since last month, the Lakers have been associated with veteran forward Jerami Grant of the Portland Trail Blazers.
It might be difficult for the Lakers to convince Grant to leave Portland, though. Consequently, Kyle Kuzma, a forward for the Washington Wizards and a former Laker, seems like the ideal choice if LA is unable to trade for Grant.
Since the NBA trade deadline, Kuzma has reportedly drawn attention from the Lakers and two other Western Conference teams, according to Brent Siegel of ClutchPoints. Rob Pelinka and company may find the asking price for the former Laker forward to be prohibitive, too.
Lakers Rumor: The Wizards are asking an outrageous price for Kyle Kuzma. Exchange
After seeing what the Brooklyn Nets received in exchange for wing Mikal Bridges, Siegel also notes that the Wizards are still insistent about seeking multiple first-round picks for the seasoned forward.
Los Angeles currently holds first-round selections in 2026, 2028, 2029, 2030, and 2031. But Los Angeles cannot afford to give up a lot of first-round picks, as the New York Knicks did for Bridges, as James is nearing the end of his Lakers career.
Los Angeles needs to consider its options for the future. Kuzma, who has averaged more than 20 points per game in his last two seasons in Washington, is not a player who will elevate the Lakers to the status of a Western Conference contender. Therefore, Los Angeles should not spend four or more first-round picks on him.
