At 11-16 on the season, the Los Angeles Lakers have a lot of needs. They need depth, and they especially need shot makers to spread the floor and take some pressure off LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Ironically, the guy who would fit best with this Lakers team is the same guy who the Lakers traded away just a few seasons ago: young swingman Kyle Kuzma.
On the Wizards this season, Kuz has really broken out into a consistent offensive force, averaging 21.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists on 46.2% shooting, and it’s the kind of production the Lakers could really use right now.
We already know that Kuz has been involved in several trade rumors already, but one unlikely source confirmed that another Kyle Kuzma’s return to Lakerland is a real possibility.
According to MY SOURCES… Kuzma’s return to the LA Lakers is a real possibility… 👀
— 73-9 and THEY LIED (@CuffsTheLegend) December 15, 2022
“My sources” don’t work in the media. The media doesn’t have the same level of access that i have. That’s all i’m gonna say ✌🏽🎟️
— 73-9 and THEY LIED (@CuffsTheLegend) December 15, 2022
For those that don’t know, the account is from a guy called ‘Cuffs the Legend,’ who is a known friend and associate of LeBron James. While there’s no way to verify the validity of his sources or his claims, it’s not unfathomable that he’d have some kind of source within the Lakers organization (maybe even LeBron himself).
So, it seems safe to assume that the Lakers are serious about potentially trading to bring back Kuzma, and, luckily for them, Kuzma may be serious about wanting to leave the Wizards.
Kyle Kuzma Reportedly Wants To Leave D.C. And Join Bigger Market
Kuzma has spent most of his career as a Laker, so it makes sense that he’s not too fond of the Wizards. While the new situation has allowed Kuz to grow and develop his game, it’s no secret that he’s keen on a change of scenery.
“Kuzma (27), however, is a flight risk and precisely the kind of player many rebuilding teams would covet in free agency. He could be a top-five free agent this offseason—at worst, top-10. ‘He wants out,’ an NBA source said. ‘He’s looking for over $20 million a season and in a big market [or with a contender].’ Kuzma is believed to still be on the Sacramento Kings’ radar after they missed out on him in 2021 when the Los Angeles Lakers traded him to Washington instead of Sacramento. The Kings can’t trade a first until 2028 (due to protections on their obligation to the Atlanta Hawks for Kevin Huerter), but they could build a deal around Harrison Barnes with that distant pick and/or prospects like Davion Mitchell.”
The trade deadline is still weeks away, so the Lakers have plenty of time to consider their options before rushing to make a trade. Still, with the team sitting at 11-16 on the season, they probably shouldn’t wait much longer if they want to avoid falling too far behind.
Kyle Kuzma wouldn’t be the solution to all of the Lakers’ problems, but he would definitely provide a major boost on offense to a team that desperately needs it.
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