Los Angeles Lakers make a great first move to open the 2020 offseason
The Los Angeles Lakers got younger Monday night by adding 27-year-old guard Dennis Schroder to the roster in exchange for 33-year-old Danny Green and 28th overall pick in Wednesday’s NBA Draft. The Lakers, coming off a championship season, are in win-now mode and did not hold much value in that 28th pick in the draft. It is also painfully clear that Green’s better days are behind him.
So, this trade made too much sense and could not be passed up by the Lakers.
This trade should also signal to Lakers fans that Rajon Rondo is probably done with the Lakers, and the same could potentially be said for Avery Bradley as well. Rondo is expected to be looking for his last big payday, in which the Lakers probably will not be able to pay him what he is seeking. Bradley has a player option that he is expected to decline so he can test free agency.
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Considering what the Lakers have given up for Schroder, you might say they won this trade before even stepping on the court.
More important than what the Lakers did give up, is who they did not give up. A player they didn’t have to trade in this deal is one who some feel will be traded soon, in Kyle Kuzma.
Kuzma, who is only 25 years old, is a bit of a hot commodity in the eyes of many around the league. Trade rumors have swirled around Kuzma for some time now.
The Lakers may package Kuzma, and trade him away to bring back a veteran player in hopes of making another run at a title in 2021. After all the clock is ticking on LeBron James’ career and he doesn’t have time to bring guys along slowly in hopes that they “develop” into a player who can contribute heavily to a winner.
Though Kyle Kuzma did play a part in the Lakers winning championship number 17, he never quite developed into that third option they had hoped he would.
Either way, don’t expect this to be the only move the Lakers make before training camp starts up December 1. The Lakers took a great first step to begin the 2020 NBA offseason. What move will come next?