The Lakers could look to trade Kyle Kuzma pretty soon

The Los Angeles Lakers are the team to beat in the NBA right now. They may not be leading the race in the Western Conference but it seems like it’s just a matter of time before they reclaim theirspot as the top seed. Moreover, with LeBron James and Anthony Davis playing at such a high level and all the depth they’ve put together, it’s hard to envision any other team getting the best of them in a seven-game series. Then again, even the best teams in the world could be even better, and the Lakers aren’t the exception to that rule.

Rob Pelinka made several interesting moves in the offseason to add even more depth to an already impressive roster. Nonetheless, some of those new pieces have yet to prove that they have what it takes to make it with thepurple and gold.

That’s why they could still look to strengthen their ranks ahead of the trade deadline, but that would also most likely mean parting ways with Kyle Kuzma, arguably their most tradeable asset, according to Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report.

Los Angeles Lakers Could look To Move Kyle Kuzma

“The Lakers won’t, and shouldn’t, be looking to make a blockbuster trade at the deadline, with their core all playing important roles. The only player remotely worth shopping is Kuzma, as the 25-year-old is now under a reasonable three-year, $39 million extension (including the player option) that kicks in next season. He’s one of the few attractive trade pieces left on L.A.’s roster, even if the Lakers need him as a scorer and floor-spacer off the bench,” Swartz said.

Obviously, that doesn’t mean that Kuzma is definitely going to be traded but he’s definitely got a point. They signed him to an extension rather than risking him getting out for free, and he’s got the potential to entice several rebuilding teams.

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Purple and gold: 5 Reasons why the Los Angeles Lakers will win back-to-back rings

Kuzma has made great strides as a defender but his offense vastly regressed since being demoted to a sixth man kind of role. Still, he’s got the upside – and contract – to be the centerpiece around a big move. Stay tuned.