Los Angeles Lakers Rumors: Andre Iguodala buyout update, Kyle Kuzma trade a possibility & more

The Los Angeles Lakers entered the new season hoping to contend for the NBA title following an underwhelming 2018-19 term and Frank Vogel's team has impressed during the opening weeks of the new campaign. Anthony Davis has excelled following a muted debut on opening night against the LA Clippers, while LeBron James is showing no signs of slowing down despite quickly approaching his 35th birthday.

Nevertheless, the Lakers' front office is known for its willingness to make changes, and there is likely to be both ins and outs over the coming months. So, through two weeks of the new NBA season, here are all the latest Los Angeles Lakers rumors you need to know.

#3: Andre Iguodala remains a buyout target

Andre Iguodala impressed as the Warriors reached the 2019 NBA Finals

After five hugely successful seasons with the Golden State Warriors, Andre Iguodala found himself traded to the Memphis Grizzlies earlier this summer. The Warriors sent Iguodala to Memphis to clear the necessary cap-space to sign D'Angelo Russell, although the 35-year-old isn't expected to make an appearance for his new team as they test the trade market.

Nevertheless, Iguodala is owed a sizeable $17.1 million for the 2019-20 season and it is possible that a buy-out could be agreed if Memphis fails to find a trade partner. In the event of this, ESPN's Brian Windhorst is reporting that the Lakers will be among the interested teams:

"More than likely, though, the Lakers will be on the hunt to add a reliable player as the postseason approaches. The one name on everyone's lips is Iguodala. Getting a player like that would be a huge boon to the Lakers, who have a real problem with how to defend the LA Clippers, a possible playoff opponent."

Iguodala has struggled with injuries over the past few years and is nearing the end of his career. Nevertheless, the veteran impressed during the 2019 NBA playoffs, averaging 9.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists over 21 appearances.

#2: Kyle Kuzma trade rumors refuse to go away

Kyle Kuzma has just returned from an injury that kept him out of preseason.

Following the blockbuster trade that bought Davis to Los Angeles earlier this summer, Kyle Kuzma is the last man standing from the Lakers' much-talked-about young core. Nevertheless, Kuzma's long-term future remains in doubt and Pat Heery of Yardbarker believes that the 24-year-old is among the names that are in danger of being traded ahead of the deadline:

With essentially no draft picks to deal, Kuzma and his bargain contract are far and away the Lakers’ most tradeable asset and only path toward a roster upgrade.

The Lakers are determined to give Kuzma the opportunity to develop into a third star over the coming months, although it is possible that the front office could look towards a trade if the forward fails to gel with James and Davis following his return from injury.

#1: The Lakers are unlikely to sign a third star this season

Bradley Beal has been among the stars linked with a move to the Lakers over the past year.

After landing Anthony Davis this summer, the Lakers immediately targeted Kawhi Leonard as they attempted to form a Big 3. Leonard eventually opted to join the Clippers instead, although rumors continue to link the Lakers with a huge trade for a third star.

However, ESPN is reporting that the Lakers lack the trade assets to complete a move for a third star, with only Kyle Kuzma and Danny Green valued by other front offices:

They don’t have many tradable pieces, and three tradable players — Rondo, JaVale McGee and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope — have no-trade clauses.

The Lakers have been linked with a trade for big names such as Bradley Beal, although it appears that they will have to wait until at least next summer to revisit creating a new Big 3.