NBA Lakers report signing of Kyle Kuzma for $180 Million’s… See more…
The Los Angeles Lakers need to pursue a possible reunion with Kyle Kuzma. The loss of Kuzma in the Russell Westbrook trade in 2021 was instantly felt as the team lost a 6’10” hustle player who was willing to optimize his play to fit the team’s 3-and-D needs. He helped the Lakers’ be the best defense in the 2019-20 season and failed when used out of his role in the 2020-21 season, leading to him being traded away.
Kuzma averaged 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists this season, putting up empty stats on a tanking Wizards squad. But the Lakers know what a winning version of Kuzma looks like. With the clear development in his ability as a primary scorer, Kuzma could be among the best rotational options in the NBA on a contending squad. He loved being a Laker and will be motivated to help bring the franchise back to success if he ends up here.
This deal assumes D’Angelo Russell opts into his $18 million option for this season, which looks unlikely. But he could stand to benefit by getting another prove-it year on a low-expectation Wizards team next season, which could open him up for a major offer in the 2025 offseason when more teams project to have cap space. He averaged 18.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 6.3 assists last season.
Hood-Schifino is a value addition as the Lakers’ first-round selection from last season. There’s potential to be extracted that the Wizards are better placed to get.
