Lakers Officially Trading Kyle Kuzma?
Are the Lakers officially trading Kyle Kuzma?
Los Angeles has had a great season up to this point. Through 36 games the team is 29-7 and currently sits in first place in the Western Conference.
The one lingering concern surrounding the organization right now is whether they are built to win a championship. Obviously Anthony Davis and LeBron James are a couple of the league’s best players – but is there enough talent beyond that?
On two separate occasions, the Lakers lost games to the Clippers where they looked outmatched.
Lakers general manger Rob Pelinka has expressed a willingness to aggressively upgrade the roster, but he does not have much in the way of assets to work with.
The only real piece in possession that anyone on opposing squads want is Kuzma.
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, Pelinka is reportedly doing his due diligence on moving Kuzma and does not consider the youngster off limits.
The Lakers were hoping Kuzma would emerge as the team’s No. 3 star this season, but his numbers are actually down on the year.
After averaging 18.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game in 2018, he has seen his average dip to 12.1 points and 3.5 rebounds per outing.
Kuzma heads into this summer eligible for a contract extension. One year later, he becomes a restsricted free agent.
Currently Kuzma is only owed $1.9 million this year and just $3.5 million next. Those are very cap-friendly numbers for his production.
After that, though, his deal will become a lot more burdensome. And if the Lakers feel like they will not want to pay him that money down the road, it could make sense for the organization to flip him now while his value is still relatively high.
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Charles Kruger has been credentialed to cover two Super Bowls, four NBA Finals, and one World Series. A 20-year veteran in the sports world, he has sources spanning the NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC and NASCAR. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif., he is Game 7’s go-to source for rumors surrounding the Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers.
Hi there , Man I hope that’s a rumour, He’s a big part of that 29-7 and who can they get that’s better ? Even two get one , 3 get one ! Keep him !