Lakers Reject Kings’ Offer For Kyle Kuzma, Counter By Asking For Talented Guard

The Los Angeles Lakers may try to seal a major trade before Thursday’s deadline. Experts predict that Kyle Kuzma would be involved in the process. According to the Stepien Rule, the team can’t trade a first-round pick, and the young Kuzma is the only player on the active roster below 25. If the Lakers want to get a talented veteran, preferably a guard, they may need to give up on Kyle Kuzma.

The Sacramento Kings offered Nemanja Bjelica and a draft pick to get Kuzma. Los Angeles said no, and countered by making an offer for Bogdan Bogdanovich. The kings kept Bogdanovich aside. He isn’t available for trade.

There’s a substantial gap between these two offers. Bjelica has a big role in the offense, but he isn’t the best defender. Let’s not forget that he is 31. Bogdanovich is 27, and he has a similar quality. He is a great ball-handler and played point guard at some point. If given the right position, Bogdanovich may become an ultimate guard.

Will the Lakers trade Kyle Kuzma for a guard?

Kuzma scored 18.7 points per game in his second year as a Laker. Anthony Davis and LeBron James take the first two forward spots, so Kuzma arguably doesn’t fit in the team.

Opposing teams may point to Kyle Kuzma’s below-average 3-point shooting numbers and off-ball defense issues as a reason not to overpay the young player. Kuzma may not be a fit for such a good team. Yes, he is an excellent scorer, but he can’t lead a big team. Kuzma may be a role player on a team. He struggles to produce as a role player in the Lakers, and he may not change that in any other team.

Kuzma’s real value is somewhere between Bjelica and Bogdanovic. Will the Lakers trade him to any of the 30 teams in the NBA?

The Kings are a fit for Kuzma. Luke Walton coached Kuzma in Los Angeles, and he sort of knows his skills.

Bogdanovich will become a restricted free agent in the summer. Buddy Hield has a $106 million contract at that position. The Kings will probably look for a cheaper player.