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Washington Wizards: 3 potential packages for Davis Bertans

By Collin Loring

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 04: Davis Bertans #42 of the Washington Wizards looks on against the Detroit Pistons during the first half at Capital One Arena on November 4, 2019 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 04: Davis Bertans #42 of the Washington Wizards looks on against the Detroit Pistons during the first half at Capital One Arena on November 4, 2019 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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Washington Wizards Kyle Kuzma Quinn Cook (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
Washington Wizards Kyle Kuzma Quinn Cook (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Option #3: LeBron and the Lakers are Championship Bound

The trade: Kyle Kuzma, DeMarcus Cousins, and Quinn Cook for Ish Smith and Davis Bertans.

If we have learned anything from LeBron James and his lengthy reign over the NBA, it’s that he likes to add pieces around the deadline. The Cavaliers always made moves at the deadline during LeBron’s post-Miami stint, and the Lakers made moves at the deadline last year. Each time, the purpose is to add more shooting.

Bertans is an easy LeBron-target to spot even as we are weeks away from the deadline. He’s a strong defender, got the length to help in the frontcourt, and is a pending free agent.

But the why, is a little bit of a harder question.

For whichever reason, the Los Angeles front office and fandom has come to the sudden realization that Kyle Kuzma is not a star right now. And he might not ever be one despite his promising rookie season. This season, Kuzma is averaging just 12.4 points off the Lakers bench with shooting splits of 42/34/77.

It’s not that his numbers are underwhelming, it’s that they’re not overwhleming and he hasn’t progressed like many expected.

Of course, it didn’t help that his personal trainer made stabs at James’ gameplay on social media earlier this season. While both LeBron and Kuzma are telling the media things are all fine and dandy in the locker room, the truth is this: Kuzma will not be a Laker following the deadline.

There’s more than enough evidence to support this theory. And Washington would be smart to buy in on Kuzma now. At just 24-years-old, Kuzma isn’t exactly done developing and he’d be under contract for next season, too, giving the Wizards yet another young piece.

Next. Washington Wizards need to trade Davis Bertans. dark

Los Angeles could use Bertans’ veteran presence and shooting, and also the alleviating of tension that Kuzma’s exit would provide. Win-win for both parties.

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