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

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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SACRAMENTO, CA – DECEMBER 31: Bogdan Bogdanovic #8 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Los Angeles Clippers on December 31, 2019 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. A King joins King James

The Sacramento Kings find themselves in a difficult position with Bogdan Bogdanovic. When they came into the 2019-20 season, they had playoff aspirations and the sharp-shooting 27-year-old figured into those plans. Unfortunately for them, those plans have not played out as expected and the Kings appear quite unlikely to make the postseason. Moreover, the Kings may be reluctant to re-sign Bogdanovic to a likely lucrative new deal this offseason when he becomes a free agent.

Subsequently, the Kings could potentially be swayed into a trade that would be better for their long-term future financially and in terms of getting slightly young. Kyle Kuzma checks both of those boxes for Sacramento, even if Kuzma is not the same level of player as Bogdanovic at this point in his career.

For the Lakers though, trading for Bogdanovic would fit seamlessly with James and Davis in the offense. Bogdanovic is a terrific shooter and playmaker that would thrive in the space that the LA’s two superstars create. This team has been thirsting for a reliable outside option that also has the ability to create when asked and this trade with the Kings would provide them that.

Though Sacramento would be getting a quality young player in Kuzma, the discrepancy between him and Bogdanovic at this point would necessitate the Lakers sending both cap-filler and a future first-round pick to the Kings so that this deal gets done. For what the sharp-shooting wing would give them, however, it would be worth the cost.

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