4 Former Lakers Los Angeles Needs To Bring Back This Offseason

4. Kyle Kuzma

He has been forgotten in Washington but Kyle Kuzma has been having productive seasons with the Wizards ever since he was traded there as part of the Russell Westbrook trade. In 2023-24, he averaged 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, maturing into an experienced veteran and a team leader.

At age 28, Kuzma is playing the best basketball of his career. He has improved his playmaking on the offensive end and his intensity and effort on the defensive side of the ball. As a combo forward with an ability to guard multiple positions, he is still a good fit with the Lakers.

Kuzma was a first-round pick of the Lakers in the 2017 NBA Draft. He spent the first four seasons of his career there, averaging 15.2 points. He was never the most efficient of scorers or most dangerous of three-point shooters, but his shot selection and offensive process have improved significantly over the years.

The former Utah standout is on a fascinating declining contract. He is due $23 million for next season but that amount declines over the next three seasons. For a highly productive player in a position of need, that is a team-friendly deal. If the Lakers can trade for him without giving up a good first-round pick, they should seriously consider it. Since the Wizards are rebuilding and not going anywhere, he should be acquirable by the Lakers.

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