On paper, Larkin would solve the Kings need at the center position immediately this offseason.
I will say that I personally don't like this trade package all that much. While getting Larkin helps to fill a need as the top-line center in the middle of the roster lineup, the Kings also end up creating another need up front in the core forward lines group this upcoming season if they trade Byfield.
Holland and the Kings would pretty much be betting that Larkin's current production levels outweigh Byfield's long-term upside and potential, which is a difficult calculation for a team trying to remain competitive now and in the long term.
If Detroit were to seriously consider trading Larkin this offseason, a player like Byfield would probably be one of the most attractive players the Kings could consider bringing up as a possibility in hypothetical trade discussions. Yet, the Kings might not want to sacrifice trading a 23-year-old center who has a ceiling as high as Byfield's for an aging 30-year-old center. That seems like a big gamble to make this offseason for the Kings and Holland.
I don't know if Larkin will legitimately become available in hypothetical trade talks for the Kings this offseason. If Detroit does decide to explore trade options for Larkin, the Kings could emerge as a logical landing spot on the trade block since they have a clear-cut need for a top-line center after the retirement of Kopitar this offseason.
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