Lakers and Kings discuss Buddy Hield trade that would involve Kyle Kuzma in the package, versus

With LeBron James and Anthony Davis back in good health, the Los Angeles Lakers are co-favorites with the Brooklyn Nets to claim the title next season. But even contenders are always looking for ways to improve their squad, and the Lakers are no exception.

The problem for the Lakers is that they don’t have cap space this offseason, which means their options will be quite limited in free agency. Even with the mid-level exception at their disposal, they will just be billed from a certain number of players.

It is therefore not surprising that they are exploring the commercial market. One name on their radar is Sacramento Kings goalie Buddy Hield, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.

The Los Angeles Lakers are chasing a stellar third player who provides playmaking and shooting creation around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, sources said.

Lakers and Sacramento Kings discussed deal centered on goaltender Buddy Hield, sources say Athleticism. Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma is said to be involved in a potential package, sources say. The Lakers have sparked the interest of several teams regarding Kuzma, sources said.

Hield’s contract would mean the Lakers would have to give up on other players – likely Kentavious Caldwell-Pope due to his cap number – for this deal to work. In general, however, it’s not hard to see why the Lakers would be interested in Hield.

Last season, the Lakers were 24th in 3-point attempts per game (31.2) and 21st in 3-point percentage (35.4). While 3-point shooting isn’t directly tied to success, having more serious outside threats still helps, and Hield is one of the best in the league. He shot 39.1% from downtown last season with 10.2 attempts per game. Having him space the floor would make things a lot easier for LeBron and AD, and Hield also has enough playing skills that he’s not limited to precision shots.

It’s still just a rumor at this point, but definitely something to watch out for. Hield is exactly the type of player the Lakers could use, and there have been all kinds of rumors over the past few years that he’s not thrilled with Sacramento.