The Los Angeles Lakers are once again in the thick of the action, this offseason. The LakeShow like every other year, are reportedly in contention for every single A-list point guard on the market, either through free agency or via the trade market.

Coming off the highs of a championship win in 2020, L.A’s road to a repeat was turbulent at best, as they dealt with injuries throughout the season.

Following a 1st round exit to eventual Western Conference champs in the Phoenix Suns, the road ahead couldn’t be clearer. In fact, with free agency to begin on August 2nd following the NBA draft, Pelinka and the front office have wasted no time in dishing offers to their roster targets.

Lakers actively shopping role players

In terms of the cap space, with LeBron James and Anthony Davis‘ contracts anchoring them down at over $75-80 million, there is minimal room to operate for Pelinka.

In order to open up cap space to sign a target free agent, L.A. is serving up Kyle Kuzma and Caldwell Pope in return, willing to part ways with the duo, given their sub-par performance.

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Unfortunately for Pelinka and Co., they have received little traction from opposition teams gunning for either of the 2.

NBA Trade Rumors: How Lakers Can Acquire Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan in the Upcoming Off-Season?

NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski in conversation with fellow insider Zach Lowe said – “They have literally offered Kyle Kuzma and KCP to almost every team.

“Almost every team I’ve talked to in the league has been offered some combination of Kuz and KCP. And that’s not going to get them back a point guard of Dennis’ stature.” 

While KCP had a breakout post-season in Orlando last year, injuries marred his season as his 3pt shooting took a major dip in the 2021 Playoffs. Shooting it at over 40% in the regular season, Pope just managed 21% against Phoenix in the 1st round.

NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers in Pursuit of Buddy Heild, Kyle Kuzma Involved in the Package

And less said, the better about Kuz, who was reportedly the player the Lakers retained in the trade for Anthony Davis. While his numbers as the #1 option without LeBron and AD look promising, there is little to no doubt that his days with the Purple and Gold are over!

The fork in the road

While the Laker faithful have a history of being rather optimistic this time of year, it seems unlikely that a star of the likes of Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, or even Kyle Lowry & DeMar DeRozan will eye a move to Hollywood on a salary that the Lakers can offer.

Hence, what’s their best option right now as they aim to return to the promised land for their 18th title? One right in front of them, and one they won’t likely have a choice to decide otherwise – Dennis Schroder! Will L.A. ultimately bend to his whims and fancies as he demands over a 100-million this summer?

Free Agency, next!

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