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The LA Lakers have reportedly inquired about a trade to bring back former Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma.
In other news, the Detroit Pistons' asking price for veteran sharpshooting forward Bojan Bogdanovic has been revealed.
On that note, here are the latest rumors surrounding the LA Lakers as of Dec. 15, 2022.
LA Lakers inquired about Kyle Kuzma trade
The LA Lakers are interested in a reunion with Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma, via Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report. On Wednesday, Haynes reported that the Lakers have already inquired with Washington about the possibility of a Kuzma trade.
Haynes also outlined how Kuzma’s potential to enter free agency next summer could impact the Wizards' decision-making process. However, he added that Washington still likes Kuzma and would like to retain him long-term:
“We have to understand Kuzma’s situation in Washington. So, Kyle Kuzma has a player option. He can decline that option and hit free agency, which I believe that will be the case. Things happen, there’s still a long season to play out, but as of right now, yes, that is the plan to decline that option."
He continued:
“But, from what I was told, the Lakers reached out, inquired about Kyle Kuzma. The Washington Wizards really love Kyle Kuzma. They especially love to pair him with Porzingis and Brad Beal. The Washington Wizards, when you talk about the general manager over there who runs things over there Tommy Sheppard, he has a track record of taking care of his players who perform well."
He conlcuded by saying:
“So the Wizards are not going to give Kyle Kuzma up for cheap. They really covet him. They’re definitely going to be open to signing him to a long-term extension, but anything is possible."
Kuzma is averaging a career-high 21.4 points to go along with 7.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game on 46.2% shooting. He is also on a value contract relative to his production. Kuzma is owed $13 million this season with a player option of $13 million next season.
However, the Wizards have been struggling lately, they're 11-18 and 12th in the Eastern Conference as they have lost their last eight straight games. Washington may be forced to sell high on Kuzma to avoid losing him in free agency.
If LA can land Kuzma, he should be able to slot in nicely as a third scoring option behind stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Detroit Pistons asking price for Bojan Bogdanovic revealed
It was reported earlier in the week that the LA Lakers are still interested in a trade for Bojan Bogdanovic. The Pistons’ asking price for a potential deal for Bogdanovic has since been revealed, via reporter Marc Stein. Detroit are reportedly asking for a fully unprotected first-round pick to even consider moving Bogdanovic. Stein said:
“Sources say that the Lakers recently offered a trade package to Detroit for Bogdanovic centered around one future first-round pick with unspecified draft protections attached. The Pistons have to date declined those overtures, sources add, insisting on a fully unprotected future first from the Lakers to seriously entertain a Bogdanovic swap."
Bogdanovic is averaging a career-high 21.1 points to go along with 3.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.6 3-pointers per game on 50.4% shooting. He is also shooting a hyper-efficient 43.2% from deep compared to the Lakers’ 30th-ranked team 3-point shooting percentage (32.0%). Bogdanovic recently signed a two-year $39.1 million extension with Detroit that will keep him under contract until the end of the 2024-2025 season.
However, Bogdanovic is already 33 and the Lakers’ only picks available for them to trade are their highly coveted 2027 and 2029 first-rounders. If the Lakers give in to the Pistons’ high asking price, they would be risking their future.
So, all things considered, it looks like a Bogdanovic to the Lakers trade is growing increasingly unlikely.
NBA executive speaks on Russell Westbrook’s trade value
LA Lakers veteran point guard Russell Westbrook’s trade value has fluctuated throughout the season. His $47.1 million expiring contract was once seen as a nearly unmovable albatross of a contract. This was due to his inefficient ball-dominant playing style and his refusal to come off the bench. However, Westbrook has since accepted a bench role and thrived as an energizer for the Lakers’ second unit. This has reportedly changed how teams view Westbrook, according to an NBA executive who spoke with Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix:
"If he's willing to be a change-of-pace point guard, to play less minutes, to have defensive energy, top-tier teams are going to be interested in him this summer."
The executive then compared Westbrook to NBA legend Allen Iverson in the latter stages of his career.
“The Iverson comparisons are fair. Allen could have played three or four more years if he had been willing to come off the bench. He would have had a field day against second units. Westbrook can do the same."
Westbrook has averaged 15.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 7.9 assists per game on 41.7% shooting in 23 games off the bench this season.
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Russell Westbrook is targeted by Miami Heat as post-trade buyout candidate
