Trade #3
LAL: Jarrett Culver, 2022 2nd Round Pick (via MIN), 2022 2nd Round Pick (via PHI or DEN – more favorable)
MIN: Kyle Kuzma
The Lakers do not need another superstar on their roster. When a trade involving the Minnesota Timberwolves is mentioned, it is immediately assumed that Karl-Anthony Towns is in the deal. That is not a fit for Los Angeles.
Instead, the Lakers could target a young player with a high ceiling in the league. That would be Jarrett Culver. The Texas Tech product could learn a lot from James in Los Angeles.
The Lakers would also get some draft capital back in this deal, but in the form of second-round picks. Kuzma would be on his way to Minnesota to team up with Towns and D’Angelo Russell, along with No. 1 overall pick Anthony Edwards.
Kuzma was able to avoid a trade when the Lakers acquired Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans. He was the one name they wanted to hold onto for future. Now, he is their biggest trade piece and could be sent away for the right price.
