One NBA writer is proposing that the Los Angeles Lakers reunite with Kyle Kuzma by acquiring the forward from the Washington Wizards.
Ishaan Bhattacharya of Fadeaway World proposed the following trade idea between the Lakers and Wizards:
Washington Wizards Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Taurean Prince, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Kyle Kuzma
Kuzma began his career with the Lakers. He played in 276 games with Los Angeles before getting traded to the Wizards in 2021 in the blockbuster Russell Westbrook trade.
With the Lakers in a major slump right now, Bhattacharya believes the front office should make a move to bring Kuzma back to California.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
For the Wizards this season, Kuzma is averaging 22.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 0.3 steals and 0.6 blocks while shooting 46.8% from the field, 35.7% from beyond the arc and 76.8% from the free-throw line. The Utah product is making $25.6 million.
The Lakers could start Austin Reaves, Kuzma, Jarred Vanderbilt, LeBron James and Anthony Davis if Los Angeles’ front office figured out a path to acquire Kuzma from Washington. Most people around the NBA expect the Lakers to make a trade before the trade deadline in February.
Since winning the In-Season Tournament in Las Vegas, the Lakers have gone 3-9. Head coach Darvin Ham is now on the hot seat since he keeps changing the starting lineup and rotation and that has impacted the rhythm of several players.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Making a trade for Kuzma would once again change the Lakers’ starting lineup and rotation. However, LeBron and Davis already know how to play with Kuzma, who helped Los Angeles win the 2020 championship against the Miami Heat at the Walt Disney World bubble. It likely wouldn’t take LeBron, Davis and Kuzma that much time to establish chemistry again.
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