Kyle Kuzma, LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers. (Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
If the Los Angeles Lakers want to acquire a star talent this summer, they’ll likely have to trade Kyle Kuzma. But who else should be on the trading block?
Kuzma makes the most sense, of course. Despite a mediocre playoff run, Kuzma at his best was developing into the third scorer on a title-winning team. His best, however, wasn’t nearly timely enough.
The 25-year-old still has plenty of basketball left in him. And on the right team there’s no doubt he’d be given more of a consistent opportunity to take on a leadership role. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis, he’ll forever be the young gun, asked to contribute when it’s convenient to two members of the modern NBA’s Mount Rushmore.
After falling short of expectations — which would’ve included back-to-back championships — the Lakers need to make incremental improvements this offseason. Where should they turn to do so, other than simply moving Kuzma?
Lakers rumors: Who else should LA trade besides Kyle Kuzma?
1. Talen Horton-Tucker
THT was a great find for the Lakers this season. The former second-round pick is just 20 years old and locked into a two-year, fully-guaranteed deal. Behind Kuzma, he’s undoubtedly the Lakers best young asset, and probably worth trading as he doesn’t match up well with their current timeline.
Horton-Tucker averaged 9.0 points-per-game this season, and emerged as an all-around player for the Lakers bench unit. He’d be a significant bench loss and a great gain for any young team looking to add assets for the future.