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

Published 07/25/2021, 3:53 PM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

The Los Angeles Lakers’ saw a disappointing end to their 2020-21 season when they were outplayed by the Phoenix Suns. Despite having superstars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Purple and Gold were eventually defeated in six games.

Injuries certainly had a big role in the same as Davis hobbled with an injury in game 4. While Davis’ injury was a massive blow, it was a mere catalyst to Lakers’ collapse whose problems were pretty much visible without ‘the Brow.’ Despite LeBron James who was not at a 100% performing at a high level, the Lakers’ supporting cast fell flat.

USA Today via Reuters

Their biggest negative however was their lackluster three point shooting. Struggling from the perimeter all season long the Lakers only shot 29.9% from the perimeter in the playoffs. This certainly was the difference between the two teams and left some big questions for Lakers’ off-season.

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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Reveals Why He Left Milwaukee Bucks for Lakers

Lakers’ in pursuit of Kings’ sharpshooter Buddy Hield

The Lakers’ know that they have two problem areas to address this season, adding a playmaker and improving team’s three point shooting. Given the lack of shooting in their team last season, a premier shooter is a must this off-season.

According to latest reports, the Lakers might be interested in trading for Kings’ sharpshooter Buddy Hield. Given how prolific the sharpshooter has been, the Purple and Gold are reportedly willing to part ways with Kyle Kuzma in the process.

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Hield has proven himself to be an incredible three point threat. Attempting about 10 three pointers, the 28-year-old made 4 three pointers and averaged 39% from the three point line. A volume shooter, Hield averaged 16.6 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game and missed only a single game.

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The Kings’ guard can certainly be a valuable addition to the Lakers’ lineup. While Kuzma does bring rebounding and defense, the Purple and Gold are in desperate need of shooting and a boost in offense.

But perhaps the biggest negative in this trade is the hefty contract the Lakers might take up with Hield. The 28-year-old is set to earn a whooping $22.5 million for the 2021-22 season. If the Lakers want to bring in the 6’4″ guard, they have to add some more players along with Kuzma who will earn $13 million.

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Kentavious Caldwell Pope might be an addition in the package, but will they be willing to give up KCP for Hield? Will Kuzma feature for Sacramento Kings next season? Let us know in the comments section down below.

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Written by:

Aditya Mohapatra

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Aditya Mohapatra is a sports enthusiast who primarily covers the NBA for EssentiallySports. Having graduated in Mass Communication, he has prior experience in writing for ABP News, and has been writing for EssentiallySports since November 2020. This die-hard Los Angeles Lakers fan feels that LeBron James is the best thing to have ever happened to the NBA, and will hold a healthy debate with anyone suggesting otherwise.
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