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With several players headed out in free agency, the Los Angeles Lakers faced a dire need to bring in competent reinforcements. In light of the signings they have made this summer, the Purple and Gold have surpassed expectations. However, there is room to believe that there may be some more moves in store.
After their initial signings in the early days of free agency, the Lakers addressed their lack of wing depth by signing Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle in free agency. For all intents and purposes, these are terrific, low-cost additions. Still, given the team’s title aspirations, L.A. may benefit from being a little more ambitious.
On that note, NBA insider Jake Weinbach identified Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma as a potential trade target for the Purple and Gold. While proposals to acquire Kuzma have been floated in the past, Weinbach shared a framework for how L.A. could reunite with the former NBA champion. He wrote:
“If the Lakers continue to explore the forward market, a reunion with Kyle Kuzma could be one of the more feasible options. Kuzma is a trade candidate for the Bucks with a $20.4 million expiring contract. Any potential package from the Lakers would presumably include Jarred Vanderbilt.”
Since parting with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis, the Milwaukee Bucks have effectively entered a rebuild mode. For a 30-year-old forward like Kyle Kuzma, this isn’t the most favorable situation.
With Kuzma on the trade block, the Lakers could benefit from making a run at acquiring him. Hence, keeping Weinbach’s framework in mind, here is a potential trade package that could help Los Angeles land the Bucks’ forward:
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Kyle Kuzma
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia, Adou Thiero, 2032 second-round pick (swap)
Although the Lakers would much rather prefer to offload Dalton Knecht along with Jarred Vanderbilt in this trade, it seems less likely for the Bucks to be intrigued by that package. Hence, depending on the interest in Kuzma, the Purple and Gold could leverage Adou Thiero and a second-round pick swap to make the package more enticing.
Financial Outlook
From a financial perspective, this trade package may prove feasible for both teams.
The Lakers currently have a total payroll of $207.8 million, which is only $1.2 million below the first apron. Hence, to absorb Kyle Kuzma’s $20.4 million salary without going over the limit, the Lakers would have to offload a considerable amount. In this regard, the combined $20.5 million from the contracts of Jarred Vanderbilt ($12.4 million), Jake LaRavia ($6.0 million), and Adou Thiero ($2.1 million) should suffice.
On the other side of the deal, the Bucks are also in a relatively comfortable position to complete this trade. With a total payroll of $191.9 million, the Bucks would only be taking on an excess of roughly $100,000 after this trade. Given that they are also in possession of a $25.4 million trade exception following the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, Milwaukee would face no real challenges.
With the salaries matching, there should be no financial issues with making this deal. Hence, we look at the impact it would have on both parties.
How Does This Trade Affect Both Teams?
The addition of a player like Kyle Kuzma could be the next step in adding structure to the Lakers’ bench. Given Kuzma’s experience playing in L.A., his shot-making ability, and his championship experience, the veteran forward could be a phenomenal addition to the team.
It is abundantly clear that Kuzma isn’t the player he was when he left the Lakers. Still, when noting last season’s averages of 13.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 0.7 steals per game on 49.2% shooting from the field, it could be argued that he still has value as a bench scorer.
For the Lakers, this trade goes beyond a reunion with a former player. It is also a crucial step in cultivating overall roster depth. While Kyle Kuzma may not be able to move the needle by himself, he could be a factor in the Purple and Gold becoming a greater threat in the West once the playoffs roll around.
This trade scenario is specifically geared to help the Lakers, but there is considerable benefit for the Bucks, too. As a team embracing a rebuild, Milwaukee is likely to prioritize young talent and draft compensation. Although a second-round pick swap and a player like Jarred Vanderbilt may not be enticing, players like Jake LaRavia and Adou Thiero may have more merit.
LaRavia has asserted himself as a solid two-way role player for the Lakers. He struggled with consistency throughout the campaign, but the 24-year-old always made up for it with hustle and defensive effort.
Last season, the forward averaged 8.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game on 45.9% shooting from the field and 32.1% from three-point range. While his perimeter shooting figures may not inspire much confidence, his average of 38.5% from beyond the arc during the 2024-25 season suggests his time with the Lakers may have been an outlier.
While LaRavia presents some upside as a rotational player, the Bucks may see more intrigue in Adou Thiero’s development potential. As an immensely athletic forward with defensive upside, Thiero could be a solid addition to Milwaukee’s young core.
Although Thiero didn’t earn much playing time with the Lakers last season, he was nothing short of spectacular in the G League, as he averaged 13.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 0.9 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game while shooting 59.0% from the field. When also noting this year’s Summer League stats (14.1 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.1 SPG, 48.5% FG), the Bucks may see good reason to invest in him.
Jarred Vanderbilt may not be an attractive asset, but he also brings value as a rotation player. As a versatile defender capable of guarding multiple positions, the forward could boost Milwaukee’s bench strength. His averages of 4.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 0.8 steals per game from last season may not seem like much in light of his $12.4 million contract, but it could be argued that a change of scenery may help him improve.
Final Thoughts On Kyle Kuzma Joining The Lakers
On paper, Kyle Kuzma could be a solid veteran addition for the Lakers. Although the forward has certainly fallen from grace as a scorer, he remains an effective rotation piece.
Kuzma’s real value lies in his championship experience. Given that he won the title with the Lakers and played a vital role in securing it, the Purple and Gold may benefit from bringing him back. By pairing him with a playmaker like Luka Doncic, or even another reliable point guard like Collin Sexton in the second unit, L.A. is bound to see some production out of the 30-year-old.
The real point of concern, however, is the asking price.
As mentioned earlier, Kyle Kuzma may not be worth as much as his contract suggests. Thus, even though parting with multiple players to create another roster spot may be sensible, if the Bucks demand a player like Adou Thiero, the Lakers may not see as much value in completing this trade.
At the moment, Los Angeles would be advised to monitor the Bucks’ inclination to trade Kyle Kuzma. If Milwaukee is eager to offload his expiring contract, L.A. may have a clearer path to acquire him. In any other situation, the Lakers stand to lose more if they part with their young players.
