The Lakers are off to a solid start sitting at 12-8, yet there's one new rumor that could reunite Los Angeles with a beloved former player who never caught a fair chance with the team.
Kyle Kuzma has turned into a borderline All-Star in his time with the Wizards. He was always a quality player, though he's proven to be a top-line star in Washington.
Based on recent news, it sounds like Los Angeles is welcome to the idea of trading for Kuzma.
New Lakers Report Suggests Reunion With Kyle Kuzma Possible
"(Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma) are better off being 2nd and 3rd options somewhere else. Very talented guys, but they're not ready to lead an organization and it shows in the play."
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) December 2, 2024
Do you agree with @TeamLou23?
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Originally a late first-round selection in the 2017 NBA Draft, Kuzma spent the first four years of his career with the Lakers and quickly established himself as a true scorer with rebounding and floor-spreading chops.
"Teams around the league believe the 29-year-old forward is worth monitoring as a trade candidate due to his skillset and declining salary over the next two years while in his prime years," Michael Scotto of HoopsHype explains. "Executives around the league also believe Kuzma doesn't fit the long-term timeline of Washington's young core."
If that's the case, the Lakers are a logical fit. They have a need for a player of Kuzma's skillset, who can score 20+ points without being pidgeonholed into a specific position.
The Lakers have reportedly "kept tabs" on Kuzma, opening the door for a reunion. It was a mistake to let him walk in the first place. With LeBron James' inevitable retirement looming, Rob Pelinka would be wise to invest in pieces that could help bridge the future.
Perhaps Kuzma could be one of those.
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