Due to this, the Lakers are expected to be among the most active franchises during the upcoming offseason, and here are three players that are being linked with an exit.

#3 Lonzo Ball

Upon his arrival in Los Angeles two years ago, Magic Johnson heralded Lonzo Ball as the future of the franchise. The former UCLA man was expected to quickly transcend into one of the NBA’s best point guards, however, injuries have affected his first two years in the league.

Still just 21, there is plenty of time for Ball to live up to his much-touted potential, although with an All-Star point guard likely to join this summer, Ball’s future in Los Angeles looks bleak.

Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that the Lakers discussed a deal with the Bulls ahead of the trade deadline, and believes talks could be revisited this summer:

With the man that bought Ball to Los Angeles (Magic Johnson) also leaving, it is becoming increasingly difficult to envision the young guard lining up in a Lakers jersey next year.

#2 Kyle Kuzma

Following an underwhelming second season, Kyle Kuzma’s future in LA has been questioned. Kuzma impressed during his rookie season, although the 24-year-old struggled to make the same offensive impact alongside LeBron James. Regarding a trade, Bill Oram of The Athletic had this to say:

Oram’s report states the Lakers’ preference is to keep Kuzma, however, they are known to be pursuing Anthony Davis. Needless to say, Davis is one of the ’three best players’ that the report alludes to, and if the Lakers complete a move for the All-Star this summer, Kuzma is sure to exit.

#1 LeBron James

Back in February, reports emerged that the Lakers were contemplating the unthinkable and considering trading LeBron James ahead of the trade deadline. Any trade for LeBron would instantly become the biggest in NBA history, so many brushed aside the trade talk as just a rumor.

However, when reacting to the news that talks between the Lakers and Tyronn Lue had broken down, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith claimed that Jeanie Buss was being urged to trade her most prized asset:

In his first season with the team, James failed to end the Lakers’ playoff drought, although he still performed well, averaging 27.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game.

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