Why Lakers do it?

The Los Angeles Lakers have been attempting to improve the point-guard position. The initial attempt came in the form of the trade for Dennis Schroder when acquiring him from the Oklahoma City Thunder last offseason. Given his pending free agency, he could need to be replaced.

There will not be a lot of high-level options for the Lakers if they were to replace Schroder. The team lacks premiere draft assets and does not have a lot of cap space to work with.Ricky Rubio would be the veteran coming to the Lakers and would fit into their win-now mode. On an expiring deal, the Lakers would not have a long-term solution at the position but he could at least be a respectable stopgap option.

LeBron James and Anthony Davis make up one of the best duos in the NBA but they still need to improve at the top of the offense. This would take pressure off both players down the stretch of games and give them someone that can handle the ball and set them up in good position.

A veteran name like Rubio would be ideal because of his experience. He may not have a skill-set that makes him an ideal fit given his lack of perimeter shooting ability. However, the Lakers may need to be willing to take such a risk if Dennis Schroder were to depart.

The Lakers traded for Schroder with the Oklahoma City Thunder prior to the regular season. Schroder was offered a contract extension but decline because he feels he can get more once free agency comes around.

Rubio is a pass-first guard and this would fit in with the person now that the Lakers have. The aggressive nature of the front office can continue here and this is a chance to get that starting guard they are looking for and the future srp from 2022 can be handy due to the fact that lakers do not have any picks in the 2022 draft.

Why Minnesota does this?

Ricky Rubio is a player that would benefit win-now teams. The Minnesota Timberwolves are clearly not on that level so it does not make much sense for him to be around for the rebuild.

The Timberwolves should be looking for some more pieces to put around Towns, primarily on the perimeter. That is what they would be getting here.

Kuzma has had some good moments in the league but continues to struggle with consistency. This is something he could fix in an extended role with a team like the Timberwolves.There will not be a large amount of pressure in Minnesota, which also would help Kuzma mentally. He is a player that can light it up from deep if he gets hot and gets to the basket using his size and strength. If Minnesota wants to hang onto Towns and Russell, Kuzma could become part of the core.