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NBA Trade Deadline 2020: 5 Kyle Kuzma trades that could help the Lakers

By Cody Williams

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 22: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers sits on the court after he was fouled in the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 22, 2020 in New York City.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 22: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers sits on the court after he was fouled in the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 22, 2020 in New York City.NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – JANUARY 24: Derrick Rose #25 of the Detroit Pistons gets introduced before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on January 24, 2020 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – JANUARY 24: Derrick Rose #25 of the Detroit Pistons gets introduced before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on January 24, 2020 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Former MVP joins the Lakers

First and foremost, the Lakers would only be interested in making a move for Derrick Rose at the NBA trade deadline if they were unable to land Collison (Re: if he signs with the Clippers instead). If that is the way things transpire with Collison’s free agency, however, the Lakers remain in need of a ball-handler outside of LeBron James that can also create his own shot. The former MVP, Rose, can be that player.

With Detroit this season, Rose has been their guiding light, even if that light has guided an oddly constructed and convoluted roster to just a 17-31 record. The point guard has averaged 18.8 points, six assists and 2.5 rebounds per game while shooting 49.5 percent from the field. He’s also improved a bit as an outside shooter to stretch the floor, though he’s only converting on 31.1 percent of his 3-point attempts for the year.

Even still, the addition of Rose would open up the Los Angeles offense in a big way by allowing James to operate more without the ball and for Rose to work in the pick-and-roll with both James and Davis. And his shot-creation for himself will be valuable in the playoffs when the Lakers are in need of a reliable third scoring option.

Rose is not a fit in the Pistons’ plans right now as they are an organization that should be focused on remaking their roster by getting younger and acquiring assets. Trading for Kuzma would be on-brand for that direction, leveraging a veteran piece for a 24-year old forward that would immediately become their best young asset.

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