The Los Angeles Lakers are eyeing a reunion with former player Kyle Kuzma as the trade deadline approaches. With the team sitting 10th in the Western Conference at 14-12, questions loom about how Rob Pelinka can strengthen the roster to maximize the final years of LeBron James’ career. Kuzma’s name has surfaced as a potential solution, offering much-needed scoring and defensive versatility.
Lakers Predicted to Land $102.2m Scorer, Kyle Kuzma
Lakers’ Season Slips After Strong Start
The Lakers began the season in promising form but have struggled recently. Despite the efforts of LeBron and Anthony Davis, the team has lacked consistency. Since winning the 2019-20 championship, the Lakers have grappled with roster issues, often falling short in their quest to return to title contention. Pelinka has made bold moves in the past. The team came closest to championship contention in 2022-23 when the team reached the Western Conference Finals. Now, the Lakers face another pivotal moment. Should they swing for a player like Kuzma or continue to exercise caution?
D’Angelo Russell: The Wild Card
D’Angelo Russell’s expiring $18.69 million contract makes him an obvious trade chip. However, Russell’s positive impact complicates the decision. He holds a team-high +54 in plus-minus this season, despite career-low scoring averages of 12.4 points per game on underwhelming shooting splits.
The Lakers reportedly view Russell as their most tradeable contract. They might choose to retain him and instead explore trading Rui Hachimura, whose $17 million contract and his skill sets present the best opportunity for roster upgrades. The Lakers view Hachimura as a longer-term piece though.
Why Kyle Kuzma Fits
Kuzma is a proven scorer and versatile defender. At 6-foot-9, he thrives as a shot-creator and has shown flashes of defensive brilliance. However, playing for the struggling Washington Wizards has limited his impact this season.
The Wizards appear focused on developing younger talent like Bilal Coulibaly and Kyshawn George. Kuzma’s role has diminished, contributing to his five-year statistical lows. Still, Kuzma’s 2024-25 struggles don’t erase his stellar 2023-24 season. He averaged 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists on 54.7% true shooting last year. The Lakers, familiar with his abilities from his first stint with the team, recognize his potential.
Revisiting Kyle Kuzma’s Lakers Legacy
Kuzma was a key piece of the Lakers’ 2019-20 championship squad. However, he struggled in subsequent seasons to define his role alongside James and Davis. He often played a complementary role, limiting his scoring opportunities.
A return to Los Angeles could provide a fresh start. This time, Kuzma would likely receive the green light to score and play a more prominent role. A golden opportunity to reshape his legacy at where it all started for him.
Financial Implications
Kuzma’s current contract is worth $102.2 million over four years, including $23.5 million this season. Acquiring him could offer the Lakers flexibility in future roster decisions. With the second luxury-tax apron looming as a major concern in 2027, Kuzma’s ‘descending’ deal offers a manageable solution.
Kyle Kuzma Returns to the Lakers
The Lakers must decide whether to act before the February trade deadline or wait to see how Russell performs. Acquiring Kuzma would bolster their scoring and defensive depth while easing pressure on LeBron and Davis. A reunion with Kuzma offers more than nostalgia. His skill set and familiarity with the Lakers’ organization make him a perfect candidate to plug roster gaps. If the Lakers aim to contend this season, landing Kuzma might be the swing they need to keep their championship hopes alive.
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