The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly been engaged in serious discussions with the New York Knicks, along with their hallway rivals the Los Angeles Clippers, regarding forward Marcus Morris. However, any deals for the Lakers to improve their team would have likely had to include third-year forward Kyle Kuzma. And Kuzma, according to the latest intel on the trade talks, was a bridge too far for L.A.
Shams Charania of The Athletic reported minutes ago that the Lakers have removed Kuzma from trade talks with the Knicks. However, the Clippers appear closer than ever to acquiring Morris to give them another body to throw at LeBron James in the playoffs.
Knicks are in significant talks to move Marcus Morris to the Clippers for Moe Harkless and other assets, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. Lakers have informed Knicks that Kyle Kuzma has been removed from discussions, sources said.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 6, 2020
The Lakers were reportedly looking for help for the past few months, but with Kuzma finally healthy and understanding his role within the Lakers, they don’t need to be in a rush to move him. Also, should Kuzma have a solid performance once the Lakers get to the playoffs, his value will only rise between now and the NBA Draft.
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