Los Angeles Lakers Rumors: Update on Kentavious Caldwell-Pope's future, Kyle Kuzma trade is difficult and more

Heading into the season, many experts expected the Los Angeles Lakers to compete for playoff homecourt advantage, although few believed that they would be the best team in the Western Conference.

However, Frank Vogel's team has made a 24-7 start to the season, and the Lakers are currently 2.5 games clear of the Denver Nuggets at the top of the Western Conference standings. LeBron James and Anthony Davis have struck up an excellent partnership, while the likes of Danny Green and Dwight Howard are also making important contributions.

Nevertheless, the Lakers have lost four successive games and the front office has been backed to make a move ahead of the trade deadline. As we approach 2020, we take a look at the latest Laker rumors you need to know.

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#3 Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is unlikely to leave

Despite a slow start to the 19-20 season, Caldwell-Pope is averaging 9 pts on 46.9% shooting from the field

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope signed a new deal with the Lakers during the offseason, though the 26-year-old has been linked with a trade away since making a poor start to the season. Nevertheless, Joe Vardon of The Athletic is reporting that Caldwell-Pope is unlikely to leave the Lakers this season due to the fact that he would have to approve a trade:

The Lakers’ other chief potential trade chip is Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who makes $8.1 million this season with a player option for $8.5 million next year. But he would have to approve a trade. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka is interested in upgrading his team, but activity likely won't come until closer to the deadline.

Despite making a historically slow start to the season, Caldwell-Pope has improved over the past month and is now averaging 9 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 25.2 minutes per contest.

#2 A Kyle Kuzma trade is complicated by his salary

With injuries and inconsistent form, Kyle Kuzma has struggled for game time so far this season

Kyle Kuzma dropped 25 points against the LA Clippers on Christmas Day, although the 24-year-old has largely struggled for game-time and form since Anthony Davis' summer arrival.

The Flint native has been frequently backed as the most likely Laker to leave ahead of the traded deadline, although Rob Mahoney of The Ringer says that any potential trade is complicated by the fact that Kuzma is owed just $2 million for the current season:

The sorts of players the Lakers might target—balanced contributors with playoff experience—tend to play on larger contracts. That wouldn't be an issue except for the fact that Kuzma himself makes just $2 million, and cobbling together enough salary for a significant move would require sending out other valued contributors.

Kuzma has started just once this season, and the forward is averaging career lows in minutes (23.2), points (11.9) and rebounds (3.5).

#1 Lakers have no chance of signing Andre Iguodala

Andre Iguodala was excellent during the 2019 playoffs

Andre Iguodala has not played since being traded to Memphis during the offseason as the Grizzlies' attempt to trade the veteran star.

With a trade proving difficult, some experts have suggested that Iguodala and Memphis could eventually agree to a buyout - paving the way for the former Golden State man to move to the Lakers. However, Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer says that the Grizzlies are insistent that Iguodala won't be moving to the Lakers this season:

As much as the Lakers would love for Iguodala to get bought out, I'm told there's no world in which that happens. The Grizzlies will trade Iguodala—it's only a matter of when and to whom. According to a source, Memphis is open to any type of trade package, including deals that bring back a long-term salary.

Iguodala has struggled with injuries over the past 18 months but was resurgent during the 2019 playoffs. Over 21 appearances, Iguodala averaged 9.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4 assists in 30 minutes per game.