On August 6, 2021, Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma was traded to the Wizards as part of the deal that brought Russell Westbrook to Los Angeles.
At the time, nobody was sure what to make of the deal. While the Lakers were in no position to compete, many were critical of the decision to trade Kuzma (one of their best shooters) for a guy in Westbrook that didn’t seem like the best fit.
Fast forward a year and a half later, and it’s clear that the Westbrook trade is one exchange the Lakers wish they could take back.
It is true that Russ has been more than serviceable for L.A. this season, but the team’s lack of shooting has made it incredibly difficult to win games. And now, the Lakers are considering bringing Kuzma back to help solve that problem.
The Lakers have inquired about Kyle Kuzma, per @ChrisBHaynes
LA is ‘definitely interested’ in reuniting with Kyle Kuzma pic.twitter.com/WhnOgn6rq1
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 14, 2022
Kuz has blossomed since leaving the Lakers with averages of 21.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game on 45.7% shooting. He is definitely someone who could come in and have a big role on this modern-day Lakers team, but would he be enough to push the Lakers into the sphere of title contention?
Kyle Kuzma Wasn’t Himself With The Lakers
The Lakers are so limited on assets, so it remains to be seen if they have enough to get Kuzma, but it’s no secret that the young swingman is hungry for a change of scenery.
Of course, there are doubts that Los Angeles is the best place for him given what he’s said about his time there.
Kuzma is having his best season in the NBA now for the Wizards, as he is averaging a career-high 20.6 PPG to go with 7.7 RPG and 3.6 APG while shooting a career-best 45.9% from the field. He recently gave an interview to Shams Charania, where he explained why he is having so much success now as compared to his later years with the Lakers.
“Being in Washington is really just helping me be myself. I had to show a shell of myself in L.A., playing with greatness, and rightfully so. That’s what you should do playing on a team with those type of players at my position. Whereas being in D.C. has allowed me to be myself and expand my game, which a lot of people probably didn’t think I was.”
For Kuzma, his play over the last few weeks has really vaulted his trade value. As an NBA veteran and long-distance sharpshooter, he’s a player who can help any team win, including the Lakers.
But with Kuzma’s value so high, L.A. is sure to be one of many teams in pursuit of his services this season.
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