Report: Los Angeles Lakers Pushing for Intriguing Trade

The Los Angeles Lakers may take part in an intriguing trade and Rob Pelinka should definitely consider signing a third superstar.

The Lakers will have to reload the roster to make the playoffs in the 2021-22 NBA season. Zach Harper from The Athletic believes that the Lakers may trade the No. 22 pick and Kyle Kuzma to sign a key player in the offseason.

“The Lakers are in ‘Win Now’ mode with the clock ticking on LeBron James,” Harper noted. “I think exploring a trade of this pick and Kyle Kuzma for a helpful veteran is high on their priority list.”

Harper didn’t say any names, but LA has a good chance to get a key free agent through a sign-and-trade. The franchise has been mentioned as a good fit for many free agents, including Kyle Lowry, Spencer Dinwiddie, and DeMar DeRozan. Without the cap space, LA has to pull off a sign-and-trade to add a high-caliber player.

The Lakers to go for an intriguing trade possibility

If LA stays at No.22, Harper believes the team will take a shot at Auburn point guard Sharife Cooper. The top prospect gives LA a nice insurance in case they can’t keep Dennis Schroder in free agency.

The Lakers have hosted a lot of top prospects for workouts. They had VCU’s Nah’Shon Hyland, Virginia’s Trey Murphy III and Ohio’s Jason Preston.

“Feels like Dennis Schroder is out the door for the Los Angeles Lakers, so they’re going to need some point guard depth eventually,” Harper explained. “Sharife Cooper could be the guy here, although everybody will be disappointed there was an error listing him at 6-foot-4 instead of 6-foot-1. Still, Cooper is a pretty fun talent at the position. He’s a great passer, and he can score without fear. He’s working on his jumper religiously, but it needs a ton of work.”

This leads us all the way to Kuzma. The young Laker is definitely a tradeable asset for the purple and gold. He is also frustrated with his inconsistent role in the regular season.

“My biggest thing is I just want to play within a consistent role,” Kuzma told Bleacher Report. “If I have that ability, I’ll be able to showcase what I can really do. There were parts of this year—and even anywhere else in my career—when I’m in a consistent space, I’m out there handling the ball, making teammates better, scoring, shooting, defending, rebounding. I think if I’m in that space, I’ll be good.”

“For example, would Brooklyn consider Kuzma and the No. 22 pick in this month’s draft to help facilitate a Dinwiddie sign-and-trade?” Marks noted. “The $13 million Kuzma contract would add to the Nets’ substantial luxury tax bill.”