Following LeBron James and Anthony Davis’ impressive performances during Team USA’s gold medal run at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Los Angeles Lakers should consider making significant moves to enhance their roster after falling short to the Denver Nuggets in the last two NBA Playoffs.
One trade proposal, which aligns with the new NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement, could provide the Lakers with added size and shooting to support James and Davis. The proposed trade would be:
**Lakers receive:** Kyle Kuzma & Corey Kispert
**Wizards receive:** D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino & a top-5 protected 2031 first-round pick
According to Anthony Irwin of Lakers Daily, the Lakers have been in serious trade discussions with the rebuilding Washington Wizards, with a possible return for Kyle Kuzma.
Irwin noted, “Washington nearly traded Kuzma to the Dallas Mavericks last season, but Kuzma expressed concerns about Dallas’s championship prospects, leading them to keep him. Despite this, Kuzma would reportedly welcome a return to Los Angeles, and the Lakers are also eager to have him back.”
The Lakers have been actively exploring trades involving D’Angelo Russell since he opted into his player option, as reported by The Athletic’s Jovan Buha.
His limited offensive contributions and injury issues have been problematic for the team.
This trade would also create an opportunity for the Lakers to sign a veteran free agent, as it involves trading three players for two.
Kuzma, originally drafted 27th overall in 2017, was part of the trade that brought him and Brook Lopez to the Lakers from the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for D’Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov.
Irwin added, “Rob Pelinka recognized from the start that free agency would be challenging. After missing out on players like Klay Thompson, he is now focused on leveraging D’Angelo Russell’s expiring contract and draft assets to make meaningful roster improvements.”
