Why the Los Angeles Lakers Should Do It
From the Los Angeles Lakers’ perspective, this is an excellent move. Derrick Rose is a trusted veteran and the Lakers know what they’d get in him. He has experience playing with LeBron James in Cleveland, which should only bode well for the possibility of him landing with the Lakers.
The toughest part would be parting with Kuzma. But Kuzma’s production saw a dip last season with the acquisition of Anthony Davis. Kuzma started only nine games last season, after making 68 stars two years ago.
It was easy to predict that Kuzma would have to take a lesser role once Davis arrived, and now it lessens the blow of losing Kuzma in a trade. Kuzma can be a restricted free agent in the 2021 NBA offseason, and if Davis stays long-term, as the Lakers hope, it may not make sense to keep Kuzma, regardless.
Rose can help the Lakers either off the bench or in the starting lineup in a pinch. His versatility would help the Lakers down the stretch and into the playoffs next season.
