Lakers Rumors: Three possible trades to open the door for Kyle Kuzma

Personally, I am really high on Jahlil Okafor, even if I shouldn’t be. The third overall selection in the 2015 NBA Draft was a reported target for the Lakers before they opted to go with D’Angelo Russell. Now, two years later, Okafor’s stock has all but fallen despite the center only being 21 years of age.

Because of this, the Lakers may be able to afford Okafor with just a straight swap involving Julius Randle. Randle’s stock is arguably higher at the moment, but Okafor presents a much larger ceiling than Randle. With Kuzma in the mix, the Lakers can afford to take a gamble on this one-for-one flip, and if it pans out, it could be huge for LA.

While the Lakers do currently have Brook Lopez anchoring it down at center, he is on an expiring deal and likely will not resign after this season. Acquiring Lopez solely seemed to be a cap space move because of his expiring contract, so unless he takes a hefty pay cut, the Lakers likely will offset that money elsewhere.

This gives Okafor one season off of the bench for the Lakers to learn and become comfortable before taking over the role as starting center. Last season, the second year center averaged 11.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.0 blocks. These were all down from his rookie season.

While an injury history has raised this question marks over Okafor’s head, this is a deal that the Lakers can definitely afford and should roll the dice on. Even if Okafor plays like he did his rookie year, that is far better than Ivica Zubac. Adding one more young star piece to the fold may be enough to make the Lakers a desirable free agent destination again.