The Los Angeles Lakers have backslid after a strong start and are in desperate need of upgrades to shore up their roster. A few names have been linked to the Lakers, including former Laker Kyle Kuzma. Kuzma started his career in Los Angeles and spent three seasons with the team, including as a member of the 2020 championship team.
He was later traded to the Washington Wizards in the disastrous trade that sent them Russell Westbrook. Now, Kuzma may be on the trade block himself with the Wizards in rebuilding mode and potentially looking to move on from their veterans.
That should interest the Lakers, who have been rumored to be interested in reuniting with their former player as well as Washington center Jonas Valanciunas. A trade involving both players may be possible, though the Lakers have restrictions when it comes to making deals that could complicate things. Even so, the Lakers could still make a deal for Kuzma.
The Los Angeles Lakers could trade for Kyle Kuzma and Jonas Valanciunas.
Unlike last season, when Kuzma averaged 22.2 points and 6.6 rebounds, he hasn't played up to that level this season, averaging 15.8 points on awful efficiency. He has been dealing with injuries, but if he continues to struggle, his trade value may not recover.
Of course, the Lakers trading for a player that is having a bad season probably wouldn't be an appealing option. Then again, the Lakers are familiar with Kuzma, and he has previously played with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, so they may have faith that he can return to form.
Last season, he may have gotten the Wizards two first-round picks in a deal, but that probably isn't the case this season. Even one first may be ambitious, with few playoff teams having firsts to trade and reluctant to give up the ones that they can move.
Los Angeles can trade up to three firsts, but they have also been reluctant to do so. If they can get both Kuzma and Valanciunas, possibly in a deal involving D'Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, and Jalen Hood-Schifino, the Clippers 2025 second, and a 2029 top 3 protected first, then that would be a no-brainer for Los Angeles.
That would allow the Lakers to keep most of their rotation intact and clear out two roster spots. They would also add perimeter scoring in Kuzma and a big man to pair with Davis in Valanciunas. Overall, given Kuzma's play this season, the Wizards may not get what they might have for him last season. If that is the case, then the Lakers might have to pay less to acquire him.