4 Realistic Lakers Trade Targets at the Deadline

3. Kyle Kuzma

Another former Laker who could return to Los Angeles at this trade deadline is Kyle Kuzma. After spending the first four years of his career with the Lakers and being a part of the 2020 championship team, Kuzma was traded to the Washington Wizards in 2021 as part of the Russell Westbrook deal.

Since then, Kuzma has taken his game to the next level, becoming a 20 points per game scorer in Washington. He has thrived in his role as a team leader and primary scoring option but the Wizards are going in a different direction. They are in the first year of a long rebuilding process and the 28-year-old Kuzma doesn't really fit their timeline.

Plus, Kuzma is a better fit on a playoff team than he is on a young, rebuilding team. He has good size, can score, and is a reliable defender. He is not the most efficient offensive player or the best shooter for his position, so he is best suited for a low-usage role on a good team.

As a fourth option behind James, Davis, and Reaves, you can do much worse than Kuzma. He is also on a four-year declining contract, which makes him a reasonable asset financially. He should be able to be had for one first-round pick and a matching salary for the Lakers.