Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Terrence Ross

Orlando Magic Receive: F Kyle Kuzma

According to NBA Analysis Network’s own Evan Massey, the Lakers are expected to look at trade opportunities for Kyle Kuzma in the offseason, which could open the door for them to bring in more impactful, experienced players like Terrence Ross. 

While he may not be viewed as a high-level talent, Terrence Ross really is a really solid wing in this league that does not get the credit he deserves. In just 46 games this year, Ross averaged 15.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and shot 41.2% from the floor.

In fact, Ross scored a total of 666 points off-the-bench this year, which ranked him 10th in the league in bench points by a player during the 2020-21 season. Up until he got injured, Ross was getting consideration for the Sixth-Man of the Year award, even though the Magic were not close to being a playoff team.

Kyle Kuzma has been a key young talent for the Lakers over the years, but he and the Lakers seem to be growing apart from one another. He was drafted 27th overall in 2017 and has been with Los Angeles his entire career, but Kuzma is not really the player the Lakers need him to be.

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He can definitely score and make an impact offensively at times, but next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis on offense, Kuzma has struggled at times. Trading him for a key veteran target that is more than comfortable playing next to superstar talents in Ross could make sense for the Lakers’ championship efforts. 

If the Lakers want Terrence Ross, they are going to have to be willing to part ways with Kyle Kuzma not only because of their contract values lining up with one another, but because Kuzma’s value is not as high as many Lakers’ fans believe it is.

With this said, let’s take a look at this trade from both team’s perspectives and take a look at whether or not this is a trade that makes sense for the Lakers and the Magic.