Lakers Trade Rumors: LAL's Chemistry 'Something to Behold' Entering Deadline

If chemistry was a problem last season for the Los Angeles Lakers as Anthony Davis trade rumors whirled, it reportedly isn't in 2019-20.

Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium appeared on The HoopsHype Podcast with Alex Kennedy and called the Lakers' chemistry "something to behold." Charania suggested that is something general manager Rob Pelinka should factor into decisions leading up to Thursday's trade deadline.

Los Angeles' chemistry, or lack thereof, was a major talking point last season as they failed to land Davis and finished 37-45 (10th in the West).

There are plenty of changes on this season's roster, including the presence of Davis. Los Angeles traded a package that included youngsters Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart for the seven-time All-Star, and he and LeBron James clicked from the start.

Los Angeles also added veterans Danny Green, Dwight Howard and DeMarcus Cousins—who is sidelined by injury—and has the best record in the Western Conference at 37-11.

With that chemistry and a desire not to throw anything off in mind, Charania said, "My sense has always been that the Lakers would only move [Kyle] Kuzma if they got a high-end rotation player."

There was a time when there may have been questions involving Kuzma, considering his trainer posted critical thoughts about James online. However, Sam Amick of The Athletic reported James remained supportive of Kuzma, especially in the face of trade rumors.

This season, Kuzma is averaging 13.0 points and 4.2 rebounds in a career-low 24.9 minutes per game, and he hasn't shot especially well from the field (43.2 percent) or three (33.3 percent).