Kyle Kuzma (three-year $40 million)
As the extension deadline neared, nobody knew what to make of the negotiations between Kyle Kuzma and the Los Angeles Lakers. Reports led us to believe the two sides weren’t even in discussion with Kuzma lacking clarity on his role entering the new season.
Kuzma entered the 2019-20 season pegged as the third star next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis, only to watch as his offensive responsibilities diminished, posting career-lows in minutes, field goal attempts and points. As the 27th pick from the 2017 Draft, he has yet to cross even $10 million in career earnings.
Underpaid with inklings of stardom is a recipe for betting on yourself. LA made sure Kuzma never had to with a deal that works out for both sides.
Kuzma on LeBron and AD extensions: “Yeah, I got a great situation having a 2+1 player option and being able to align myself with those guys and also continue to learn and develop … to be in a championship window until my deal is up when I’m into my prime. It’s a win win."
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) December 21, 2020
A yearly salary of roughly $13.3 million is manageable for the Lakers, who have come to value Kuz’s defensive versatility and his growing comfort playing off the ball. By getting his signature now, Rob Pelinka won’t have to compete with offers next summer, the type that almost assuredly would’ve come with more dollars in an attempt to pry the 25-year-old from Staples.
Kuzma could’ve waited out the season and entered a thinning free-agent class with plenty of teams possessing cap space to fill. Instead, he gets a nice yearly salary while getting a rare player option for Year 3 that will allow him to hit unrestricted free agency at the prime age of 28.
He may never have a starring role in LA. There may come a point in time when that drives Kuzma elsewhere. That won’t come anytime soon, which is why the Lakers’ chances at a repeat have only strengthened while allowing them to steer clear of an issue that would’ve lurked in the distance.
Grade: A+