Some within the NBA are predicting a lot of trades surrounding the 2021 NBA Draft, and some of the rumors indicate a lot of talking going on behind the scenes.
The Los Angeles Lakers are one team that clearly has its sights set on making moves. According to J. Michael of the Indianapolis Star, the Lakers attempted to land the No. 13 pick from the Indiana Pacers in a trade involving Kyle Kuzma. The Pacers weren’t interested in Kuzma and declined.
This is accurate. TJ Warren is healthy so they declined Kuz. Lakers have been hustling to jump into the lottery to get ahead of the Wizards https://t.co/ozto9dFRAZ
— J. Michael (@ThisIsJMichael) July 27, 2021
The fact that the Lakers tried to move into the lottery suggests they’re serious about trying to improve the supporting cast around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. After a first round playoff exit, the team has made clear that pretty much anything and everything is on the table to get better around them.
One thing is also clear: Kuzma is available for trade, with his name coming up in multiple rumors. It remains to be seen if the Lakers continue to use him to try to move up in the draft, but there definitely appears to be some real interest in getting into the lottery.
