The Los Angeles Lakers hope to be buyers to add to their roster following the recent surge. Their search has reportedly turned them in the direction of a familiar face.
According to Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes, the Lakers inquired about Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma.
“From what I was told, Lakers reached out, inquired about Kyle Kuzma,” Haynes said (h/t ClutchPoints). “The Washington Wizards really love Kyle Kuzma. They love the pairing with him, with (Kristaps) Porzingis, and Brad (Bradley) Beal… the Wizards are not going to give Kyle Kuzma up for cheap. They really covet him. And they’re definitely going to be open to signing him to a long-term extension. But anything is possible.”
Kuzma played his first four seasons with the Lakers, winning an NBA title during the 2019-20 season with LeBron James. However, he got traded to the Wizards before the 2021-22 season in the Russell Westbrook deal.
The Wizards have struggled and are on an eight-game losing streak. Yet, the Wizards covet Kuzma as a long-term option. Also, Washington has to consider Bradey Beal hobbled this season. Beal has missed 11 games this season, including the last five.
Kristaps Porzingis missed only two games this season but was sidelined in Washington’s loss Wednesday against the Denver Nuggets with a back injury. The Wizards view Beal, Porzingis, and Kuzma as their big three. And the club believes they are a viable contender for the playoffs when the trio is healthy.
Kyle Kuzma has broken out in two seasons with the Wizards. He is averaging career-high 21.4 points through 28 games. He also is shooting a career-high 46.2% from the field, including 34.3% from three.
If the Lakers want Kuzma back, they’ll have to pony a great deal of real estate.
Kuzma is in the second year of his three-year, $39 million contract he signed while with the Lakers. Bleacher Report previously reported Kuzma “wants out” of Washington and is looking for a large contract. He has one additional season remaining.
The Wizards may want to hold on to Kuzma, but the business side of the situation could force the team’s hand in trading him.
