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Rob Pelinka is looking to retool the LA Lakers for a run at the NBA championship next season, and the summer could result in some pretty interesting trades.
Pelinka, the Lakers’ vice president of basketball operations and general manager, has said that their front office has been empowered to "smartly build a roster to win championships."
This means a lot of careful planning and shrewdness when it comes to making trades, re-signing and signing free agents.
The LA Lakers can and will spend money, but unless they build with an understanding of their identity and culture, all that spending will be for nothing.
Where the current LA Lakers roster stands financially
The LA Lakers have six players under contract for next season, namely LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Kuzma, Marc Gasol, and Alfonzo McKinnie.
Including the No. 22 pick and dead salary (Luol Deng), they have already exceeded the projected $112.4 million cap for next season, according to Sam Quinn of CBS Sports.
"That doesn't necessarily have to be a bad thing," Quinn said.
"Yes, it will prevent them from acquiring players via sign-and-trade, as that also triggers a hard-cap, but the taxpayer mid-level exception would still give the Lakers meaningful spending power."
This means sign-and-trade deals will be nearly impossible this offseason for the LA Lakers as it limits their flexibility in reshaping the roster. They will have to get extra creative in case they want to go that route.
Still, the LA Lakers will look for potential trades that will give them the best opportunity to retake the title next season. If Montrezl Harrell opts in on the second year of his deal, he could be dealt to another team that will showcase what he can do.
Let’s take a look at three trades that the LA Lakers should try to work out in the 2021 NBA offseason:
3. LA Lakers receive: G/F Terrence Ross
Orlando Magic receive: C Montrezl Harrell; second-round pick
Terrence Ross averaged a career-high 15.6 points per game last season on a tanking Orlando Magic squad. His three-point shooting dipped quite a bit last season, but that could be attributed to the fact that the Magic didn’t have enough scoring threats except for him.
The 30-year-old would be an excellent kick-out option for James and Davis, and he’s capable of creating his own shot.
In return, the Magic receive Harrell, who will have the playing time he’s looking for after receiving a few DNP-CDs on the LA Lakers this past season. But he’s likely to be traded for more assets by Orlando later on, anyway.
2. LA Lakers receive: G Kevin Huerter, F De’Andre Hunter
Atlanta Hawks receive: F Kyle Kuzma, Alfonzo McKinnie, No. 22 pick
This trade gives the LA Lakers more depth and three-point shooting. Kevin Huerter had a couple of 20-point games in this year’s playoffs and will build on his breakout postseason in Los Angeles as a three-point marksman off the bench or as a part-time starter.
De’Andre Hunter was injured most of the year, but he’s a terrific defender and a developing three-point shooter at the forward spot.
If the Lakers decide to slide James to the power forward spot and Davis to the center position, they could have a big lineup with the 6-foot-7 Huerter at shooting guard and the 6-foot-8 Hunter at small forward.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope could man the other backcourt position.
In return, the Hawks receive Kuzma, who could develop into a 20-point scorer in a new environment while being able to shed some salary with McKinnie.
They’ll also get a first-round pick to be selected for them by the LA Lakers, but he can’t be shipped until 30 days after signing his contract.
1. LA Lakers receive: G Buddy Hield
Sacramento Kings receive: F Kyle Kuzma, C Montrezl Harrell
Buddy Hield is the kind of shooting guard who would benefit from playing alongside the LA Lakers’ James and Davis. He’s a deadly three-point shooter (career 40.6%) and will benefit from all the attention that the two All-Stars receive.
Hield could be a 20-point scorer just by receiving passes at the three-point arc a few times a game.
In return, the Sacramento Kings receive a player whose potential may be tapped in new surroundings in Kyle Kuzma. He’ll also be reunited with former LA Lakers coach Luke Walton, with whom he had his best years.
They also acquire a relentless rebounding and scoring center in Harrell, who could soften the blow of the team possibly losing Richaun Holmes to free agency.
Additionally, the 27-year-old will give the Kings some much-needed spark of energy regardless of whether he starts or comes off the bench.
Also Read: NBA Trade Rumors: Minnesota Timberwolves among 4 teams pursuing Ben Simmons
