Former Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma is in the midst of his best NBA season with the Washington Wizards.
He’s averaging a career-high in points while his rebounds and assists per game are among the best marks of his career too. Kuzma has evolved into a consistent scorer and all-around player for the lowly Wizards, a bright spot on a projected lottery team.
His play warrants interest from teams on the trade market and the Lakers are no different. L.A. reportedly inquired about Kuzma’s availability. If the Lakers were to reacquire Kuzma it would fill their need for a 3-and-D wing. Kuzma was part of the package dealt to acquire Russell Westbrook.
That moment was the climax of months of Kuzma’s name being thrown in trade rumors. In an interview with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, he reflected on the moment he found out he was traded, revealing a comment from Rob Pelinka that left the door open for a potential return:
“I was walking my dog,” Kuzma said. “I got a call from Rob and he was like, ‘Hey man, I love you, this is just a part of the business and this is never a ‘goodbye,’ it’s always a ‘see you later.’”
Kuzma was the first player Pelinka drafted as general manager. The two had major career changes around the same time, which could have brought them closer together. Pelinka ended up trading him four years later but Kuzma said Pelinka highlighted that trades are part of the business and nothing personal.
Kuzma came onto the scene after playing a key role in the 2017 Summer League championship. He was also an important part of the 2020 Championship and is appreciative of his time as a Laker:
“It means everything to me and my career,” Kuzma said of his Laker ties. “They’re the team that gave me an opportunity to be who I am, to provide for my family. They provided this platform that I have. It means everything in the world.”
While it may have been a bumpy ride for him in L.A., fans have consistently shown love to the forward. Finding a way to bring Kuzma back home could elevate the Lakers’ chances of a playoff push.
Kuzma responds to rumors Lakers inquired about him
How the tables have turned. After being the common culprit of mock trades while with the Lakers, L.A. is now reportedly interested in reacquiring Kuzma from the Wizards.
Kuzma reflected on finding out about the Lakers’ interest, via an interview with FOX Sports.
“I think it just shows you the grass is not always greener,” Kuzma told FOX Sports. “It’s definitely a good thing because at the end of the day, that means I’ve been playing well, and I have value in this league, that a team would want to trade for me. It’s a blessing.”
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