Potential Lakers Trade Target Now Available For Reunion With LeBron James

There is a ton of uncertainty in Los Angeles heading into the offseason. The Lakers still don't have a head coach and don't know about LeBron James' status or what the roster is going to look like next season. One thing we know, however, is the fact that they are going to be active on the trade market and free agency.

The Lakers are armed with three first-round picks that they can trade this summer. They will likely use this draft capital, as well as a few of their young players like Jalen Hood-Schifino and Max Christie, and combine them with mid-size contracts like Rui Hachimura and/or Austin Reaves, to upgrade their roster.

A lot of attention has been given to the possibility of trading for Donovan Mitchell or Trae Young this summer. If the Lakers aren't able to land a star, they will have to look for more minor upgrades. One of the names they have been previously linked to was former Laker Kyle Kuzma. The Washington Wizards were not interested in moving him at the trade deadline but according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, they have made him available in talks this offseason.

"Kyle Kuzma will be another advanced wing player on the trade market, although Washington’s asking price for the veteran scorer prior to February’s trade deadline was too rich for most rival teams."

- Jake Fischer, Yahoo Sports

Kuzma won a title with the Lakers in 2020 but was traded to the Wizards as part of the Russell Westbrook trade. The 28-year-old combo forward has improved significantly over the past few seasons, turning himself into a reliable two-way option at the wing. His versatility and ability to shoot, pass, rebound, and defend all at a reasonable level make him an intriguing option for the Lakers.

Kuzma averaged 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in the 2023-24 season. The Wizards, in the midst of a rebuild, understandably want to prioritize young players and draft assets. Whether the Lakers will be able to reunite Kuzma with his former teammate LeBron James will depend on Washington's asking price. If the price is around one first-round pick value, the Lakers could do much worse than Kuzma.

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