Lakers rumors: Kyle Kuzma will not be a dealbreaker in Anthony Davis trade with Pelicans

The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly don't want to include Kyle Kuzma in an Anthony Davis trade, but he won't be a dealbreaker.

The Anthony Davis sweepstakes are ramping up in the final week before the 2019 NBA Draft, and confusion is already beginning to settle in regarding what it may take to get a deal done.

While New York Times reporter Marc Stein initially indicated that the Los Angeles Lakers would not budge on including forward Kyle Kuzma in any package for Davis, ESPN senior writer Ramona Shelburne says that Kuzma is not regarded as a dealbreaker. Rather, it's the addition of Kuzma to the other assets on the table that's problematic:

Ramona Shelburne on The Mason and Ireland Show on ESPNLA 710 revealed that Kuzma is not the deal breaker. “It’s being reported incorrectly.”

— The Lakers Review (@TheLakersReview) June 13, 2019

"I don't think Kuzma is a dealbreaker. It's more the total weight of the number of assets… If Kuzma is not in the deal, it's more like the Lakers would have to give up something in the future." @ramonashelburne on AD deal

Listen now on ESPNLA 710 📻 https://t.co/Wda75J3NBi pic.twitter.com/lckUFD5sQS

— ESPN Los Angeles (@ESPNLosAngeles) June 13, 2019

Kuzma averaged 18.7 points and 5.5 rebounds in his sophomore season while showing growth as a team defender and establishing a nice rapport alongside LeBron James.

The Lakers have shown willingness to part with swingman Brandon Ingram, but Ingram is still surrounded by skepticism following a procedure to fix an issue with blood clots. Although he is expected to make a full recovery, the Pelicans may actually prefer a player like Kuzma, who has shown little issues with durability in his first two seasons.

There is also the notion that Pelicans executive president David Griffin may be hoping to ramp up the bidding war between the Lakers and Boston Celtics, who still appear to be keen on landing Davis.

Boston could offer youngsters like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in addition to future considerations, though Davis is an unlikely candidate to re-sign with the team following the 2019-20 season, especially if Kyrie Irving leaves in free agency.

With the Lakers still holding on the No. 4 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, they may have to sell high on Davis and his commitment to being in Los Angeles for the long haul.