Los Angeles Lakers Can Land Two Former Stars In Two Blockbuster Trades

The Los Angeles Lakers have recently been one of the hotter teams in the league. They have won their last two games against the Washington Wizards and the Denver Nuggets, and it is clear that they have made a lot of progress as a squad. Anthony Davis and LeBron James have both been playing at a high level, and it is clear that the team could make the playoffs.

With that being said, the Los Angeles Lakers progress may start to get derailed due to Anthony Davis' recent foot injury. A recent report suggested that the team could take a new direction for the season in terms of trades due to this injury. Though the team has de-prioritized making a trade, there are some trades that won't require too many assets to make and would make the team better.

The Los Angeles Lakers should trade for younger players that can keep the team afloat while Anthony Davis recovers from his injury. There are a lot of recent veteran signings that haven't worked out for them, and perhaps going in the direction of youth and athleticism can help the team be better.

Here are two potential trades for two of their former players that can help the Los Angeles Lakers. These trades would help them improve on the weaknesses on their roster and make them a true playoff team.

Kyle Kuzma Is A Good Two-Way Forward

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Kyle Kuzma

Washington Wizards Receive: Patrick Beverley, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL)

Kyle Kuzma has been having a career year with the Washington Wizards, and he is currently putting up 21.3 PPG, 7.7 RPG, and 3.5 APG for the team. The forward has been providing the Wizards with shot creation, perimeter defense, and rebounding. His versatility would help any team, and the Los Angeles Lakers clearly understand the value he brings, as they've already inquired about him in a trade.

In theory, Kuzma should be a fantastic fit with the Los Angeles Lakers due to his skillset, and he could excel as a complementary player behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis. He has won a championship with them before, and since he's now an even better player now, Kyle Kuzma could make the Los Angeles Lakers a fantastic team. He is the sort of player that can carry the offensive load while Anthony Davis is out and then slot in as an elite No. 3 option once Davis returns.

In our trade scenario, the Los Angeles Lakers give up Patrick Beverley, Lonnie Walker IV, and the 2027 first-round pick in exchange for Kyle Kuzma. This is a fair deal for a player that could decline his player option, and walk at the end of the season. Patrick Beverley is on an expiring contract, and the pick would obviously be the key component of the deal for the Washington Wizards.

For the Los Angeles Lakers, there's obviously a risk associated with Kyle Kuzma potentially leaving in free agency. However, it is also possible that the team will end up re-signing him. Kyle Kuzma has previously revealed that he liked his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, and perhaps he could end up re-signing with the team and making his second stint a long-term one.

D'Angelo Russell Gives The Team A Versatile Offensive Point Guard

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: D'Angelo Russell, Kyle Anderson

Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: Russell Westbrook

D'Angelo Russell hasn't played at an All-Star level over the last few years, but he is still a solid point guard that can do almost everything offensively. Currently, D'Angelo Russell is averaging 17.0 PPG, 3.1 RPG, and 6.4 APG while shooting 37.4% from beyond the arc. He is a decent scorer and elite playmaker but also has the ability to thrive without having the ball due to his off-ball game. Russell would be the perfect guard for this iteration of the Los Angeles Lakers, and he would help solve a number of problems on the team.

This deal would feature the Los Angeles Lakers sending Russell Westbrook to the Minnesota Timberwolves for D'Angelo Russell and Kyle Anderson. For the Minnesota Timberwolves, getting Russell Westbrook would be about adding an accomplished veteran leader to the locker room. His rim pressure and playmaking would also help the team from an offensive standpoint. Russell Westbrook historically does well with lob threats and 3PT shooters, which suggests that he could get the best out of the Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert frontcourt.

On the Los Angeles Lakers, D'Angelo Russell would play a pass-first role, and provide floor spacing and shot creation when needed. He is also known for his clutch ability, and he could potentially have games where he simply takes over in those situations. Having a point guard that can provide perimeter scoring will be key next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis and D'Angelo Russell fits the bill offensively. Kyle Anderson would give them another defensive wing, and he is passable from the 3PT range as well, shooting 34.5% from that area.

D'Angelo Russell's contract situation is similar to Kyle Kuzma's, as he will also be a free agent at the end of the season. However, he could also stay with the Los Angeles Lakers. If the team gives him a fair long-term deal, it is possible that D'Angelo Russell will end up staying with the team. A lot of stars generally enjoy living in the city of Los Angeles, and D'Angelo Russell could be the same way.

These Trades Could Keep The Lakers Afloat And Make Them A Dangerous Team Come Playoff Time

This trade could potentially help the Los Angeles Lakers both in the now and the future. Obviously, there's a risk involved with the potential of Kyle Kuzma and D'Angelo Russell leaving in free agency. However, it is quite possible that the two would decide to stay long-term in Los Angeles if given the right long-term contract.

The upside the Los Angeles Lakers have by making these two deals is immense. Not only would they be a competitive team this season, but they would also be able to make some runs in the future due to the relative youth of Kyle Kuzma (27) and D'Angelo Russell (26). 

It remains to be seen if the Los Angeles Lakers will end up making either of these trades. However, in the right scenario, these trades can give them flexibility for the future and an improved overall roster in the now. One key thing to note is that the Los Angeles Lakers will only trade one future first-round pick in this scenario, which means they could use that pick in the future for a trade or to draft a prospect. Hopefully, we will see the Los Angeles Lakers enact these two deals in the future as they could potentially have a huge payoff for them.

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