Lakers Trade Rumors: Jerami Grant, Kyle Kuzma, More Linked to LA by NBA Insiders

A blockbuster trade isn't in the cards for the Los Angeles Lakers right now in the eyes of people around the NBA, according to The Athletic's Jovan Buha.

Buha reported Tuesday that Washington Wizards center Jonas Valančiūnas is the "buzziest name in league circles" for L.A. He also cited Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma, Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant and Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler among the other players linked with the Lakers.

NBA insider Jake Fischer indicated on Dec. 6 the Lakers were looking to make smaller upgrades across the roster, particularly in the frontcourt and along the defensive perimeter.

Buha's report furthered the idea they'll prioritize depth over a major blockbuster. He wrote they "are not anticipated to be heavily in the mix" for the Miami Heat's Jimmy Butler, New Orleans Pelicans' Brandon Ingram or Chicago Bulls' Zach LaVine.

Midway through the 2022-23 season, general manager Rob Pelinka adopted a similar approach. He overhauled the roster rather than executing one big move, and it helped spark a run to the Western Conference Finals.

There's plenty of sense behind that strategy because Los Angeles' on-court issues are bigger than any one star can solve. Buha identified three clear areas of need: a defensive center, a three-and-D wing and "a big, quick, athletic guard" who can guard on the perimeter.

But the overriding concern for Pelinka is that the ship might have already sailed on the Lakers winning another title with LeBron James and Anthony Davis as their nucleus.

Buha's report also included Blazers center Robert Williams, Jazz guard Collin Sexton and Toronto Raptors forward Bruce Brown Jr. as rumored targets. Throw any combination of those players plus Valančiūnas, Grant, Kuzma or Kessler onto L.A. Are you feeling any better about the team's championship odds?

It's hard to have much confidence when we've seen various iterations of the Lakers with different head coaches since their 2020 Finals run all come up short in the playoffs, if they even advanced to the postseason at all.