Lakers Rumors: Latest Trade Talk, Free Agency and Pre-Draft Buzz for Los Angeles
The new-look Los Angeles Lakers wasted little time in capitalizing on their 2019 trade for Anthony Davis. The former New Orleans Pelicans star quickly created chemistry with LeBron James, L.A. found valuable role players in the likes of Dwight Howard, Danny Green and Alex Caruso, and the Lakers went on to win the 2020 NBA title.
That was last year, though, and while the championship still feels relatively fresh, the Lakers are about to reinvent themselves once again. Green is already gone, being sent to the Oklahoma City Thunder as part of a deal for Dennis Schroder. Davis has decided to decline his player option, and Howard is set to hit free agency.
While it's widely expected that Davis will sign a new lucrative contract with L.A., this year's version of the Lakers will be different. With the draft set to kick off at 7 p.m. ET today and free agency slated for Friday, the franchise's next moves will be made soon.
Here, we'll examine the latest buzz surrounding the Lakers' looming offseason.
Los Angeles Has Discussed a Kyle Kuzma Trade
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Wednesday evening should be a quiet one for the Lakers. As part of the Schroder deal, they sent their first-round pick to OKC, meaning Los Angeles is without a draft selection.
This doesn't mean, of course, that the Lakers cannot buy their way back into the draft. A year ago, Los Angeles acquired the 46th overall pick from the Orlando Magic and used the selection on Iowa State's Talen Horton-Tucker. A similar scenario could play out this year, and Kyle Kuzma could be part of the trade offer.
According to Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus, the Lakers were interested in acquiring Jrue Holiday from the New Orleans Pelicans prior to the Schroder deal and that Kyle Kuzma was on the table.
"From what I understand, there was interest in Jrue Holiday on the Lakers' side ahead of Dennis Schröder with a similar package, but with Kuzma in it as well," Pincus said on the Locked on Lakers podcast. "... So I know that, on some level, they'd be willing to move him."
Would the Lakers deal Kuzma for a second-round pick alone? Probably not. As a player who averaged 12.8 points and 4.5 rebounds this past season, Kuzma has a tremendous amount of value to the team. However, he could potentially be dealt for a package or for a veteran on a draft-day deal.
One thing is certain, the Lakers will still be a team to watch on draft night.
Lakers Expected to Present AD with Multiple Offers
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Anthony Davis is the most important free-agency target for the Lakers. That's an unquestionable fact. By opting out, Davis has set himself up for a massive payday with L.A., but there's no guarantee that the Lakers will re-sign him.
If the right deal and the right situation present themselves, Davis could be convinced to sign elsewhere.
Unsurprisingly, the Lakers are going to make sure that they're in position to at least offer Davis the right deal. According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin, L.A. will do so by presenting several options.
"The Lakers, sources said, will present several options to Davis and his agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, in order to work with the superstar on the deal that makes him feel the most comfortable being part of the franchise moving forward," McMenamin wrote.
By essentially allowing Davis to pick his own deal, Los Angeles will take his contract out of the equation. It will then be up to Davis to decide if the Lakers are still the best fit for him. With James still playing at an MVP level and the opportunity to repeat on the table, L.A. will make a strong argument that it is. It would be a major surprise if Davis decides to take his talents elsewhere.
Rajon Rondo Likely to Depart in Free Agency
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Like Davis, Rajon Rondo is set to become a free agent on Friday. Unlike Davis, Rondo probably isn't a major priority.
While the Lakers did get a significant boost from "Playoff Rondo" during the postseason, they're not likely to overpay to keep him. And it appears that there will be a strong market for his services. According to Frank Isola of ESPN, the Atlanta Hawks are interested in Rondo, while Rondo is interested in the Los Angeles Clippers.
"Rondo is expected to receive a significant offer from the Atlanta Hawks ($15 million for two years guaranteed) but according to a source, Rondo remains focused on potentially joining the Clippers. He could possibly get the mid-level from LAC," Isola tweeted.
A Rondo departure wouldn't be a shock to the Lakers, though. According to Marc Stein of the New York Times, L.A. made the trade for Schroder under the "strong belief" that Rondo will be gone this offseason.
While retaining Rondo for depth purposes could still make sense for the Lakers, it would be a surprise if he doesn't cash in and sign elsewhere in free agency.
