Los Angeles Lakers: Possible trade scenarios for each young star

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Kyle Kuzma potential trade:

I have seen trade proposals including both Kyle Kuzma and Julius Randle for Karl-Anthony Towns floating around but that would be hard for the Lakers to pull off. In fact, I would argue that including Randle would be impossible unless the Lakers took in a large contract, which obviously goes against what the team is trying to do.

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If the Lakers were trying to include Randle the team would have to re-sign him to a deal. Obviously, Randle is going to be re-signed for more than he makes now and would probably add at least $15 million into the trade.

Thus, the Lakers will have to send a package of young talents if they do want Karl-Anthony Towns, who is on the trade block after reports of internal friction have emerged.

That means giving up Kuzma, Josh Hart and Ivica Zubac as well as two unprotected picks and a pick swap in 2021. Karl-Anthony Towns is a once in a generation type player and is probably the second best center in the league behind DeMarcus Cousins.

This trade is the most problematic of the three as it would leave the team significantly undermanned. However, in going this route, the Lakers would be able to re-sign Julius Randle, bring in just one star (like Paul George) and still have enough to add depth pieces via free agency.

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That way, the Lakers starting five would not be so bad and the bench wouldn’t be either. In doing this, the Lakers would be looking at a starting five potentially consisting of Lonzo Ball, Paul George, Brandon Ingram, Julius Randle and Karl-Anthony Towns.

Maybe trading Kuzma is the best route after all.

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