NBA Trade rumors: Lakers reject Kings’ offer of Bjelica for Kuzma

The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly rejected an offer from the Sacramento Kings swapping center Nemanja Bjelica for forward Kyle Kuzma.

According to CBS Sports, the Kings initially made an offer to the Lakers to get Bjelica, who is averaging 12.2 PPG and 6.4 RPG.

It was rejected by the Lakers, as Bjelica is already 31 years old and is an ineffective defender. Also, it would create a log-jam at the frontcourt position for the Lakers as they already have JaVale McGee, Dwight Howard, and DeMarcus Cousins.

Kuzma has been the topic of trade rumors since his role for the Lakers decreased when the squad got Anthony Davis from a blockbuster trade during the summer.

However, it is believed that the Lakers will only agree to ship Kuzma if Serbian wing man Bogdan Bogdanovic is part of the package.

Bogdanovic, 27, is a sharp-shooter, going 37.4% from deep throughout his NBA career. He is alsoa averaging 14.4 PPG, 3.1 RPG, and 3.3 APG.

Experts deem Bogdanovic will be a natural fit for the Lakers since he plays the 3 spot and can also facilitate, hence an ideal back-up for a player like LeBron James.

Kuzma, 25, saw his numbers dip this season with a reduced role, norming 13 PPG and 4.2 RPG.

Playing as a back-up only to Davis this season, it probably is a good idea to have Kuzma land to other squads and carve out his own path since he has shown the ability to be a star right in his 2nd season as a Laker.