NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers Just Listening, Dealing Kuzma Only At The Right Price

The Los Angeles Lakers were hardly a team expected to be busy before the Feb. 6 trade deadline but that does not mean they aren't checking the market. Most know that purple and gold need a playmaker to help out LeBron James and Anthony Davis with several names already being thrown in the hat.

Among the names already mentioned include Darren Collison. After announcing his retirement before the current NBA season, it appears the 32-year-old wants to make an NBA return. The only catch is that his preference would either be the Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers.

Aside from Collison, Heavy.com reported that the Lakers have inquired about several potential veteran point guards. One player they are allegedly targeting is D.J. Augustine of the Orlando Magic. With no future picks at their disposal, a player the Lakers could deal off is Talen Horton-Tucker, the rookie that the Magic originally drafted before getting traded to Los Angeles.

The search for a point guard is understandable. The Lakers have been woeful when James is not around to run the offense. The team relies on him heavily and general manager Rob Pelinka may be skimming the market for potential help. But would dangling Kyle Kuzma for such a player be feasible?

It comes to no surprise that the 24-year-old is the logical choice to be dealt for a playmaker. This was already covered in a previous post. Kuzma is coming off an injury and has not been the same player most saw last NBA season. Most of all, he is not a point guard who can help the team's cause. In 20 games, Kuzma has normed only 11.1 points and 3.4 rebounds. The Lakers need something more.

Other than that, the Lakers need to look ahead. Kuzma is due for a rookie contract extension and getting that done may not come to fruition. In all, reaching an agreement could be a long shot. Worse, it could end up seeing Kuzma becoming a restricted free agent this summer.

So rather than waiting for that to happen, dealing off Kuzma for someone who can help the Lakers now and possibly win the NBA title could be the immediate directive. These are things that Pelinka needs to consider - meaning they may or may not deal the 6-foot-8 forward before the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline.