It’s almost certain that Los Angeles Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis will be joined by a preferential third option at the beginning of next season. Who that option is remains to be seen, but sources have told The Athletic’s Shams Charania that their pick might be close to being finalized.
Charania initially reported that the Lakers are “pursuing a third stellar player who provides playmaking and shot creation” around their two bonafide superstars. In Sunday’s Inside Pass with Shams, the basketball world learned the Lakers and Sacramento Kings have engaged in trade talks surrounding Buddy Hield.
The Lakers and Kings have discussed a trade centered around Buddy Hield, per @ShamsCharania
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) July 25, 2021
Kyle Kuzma would likely be involved in any potential package. pic.twitter.com/r5PEFDVqia
The Lakers would be forced to trade forward Kyle Kuzma to get the deal done, a young scorer who has been thrown around in trade talks for weeks. However, landing Hield would certainly boost the Lakers overall playmaking potential and backcourt fire, with only 3-and-D wing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope returning from last year’s roster.
Heading into his sixth NBA season, Hield is coming off a solid year with the Kings that saw him average 16.6 points and 4.7 rebounds in 71 games.
