Kyle Kuzma could be on the move.
The Lakers are gauging teams’ trade interest in the 26-year-old forward, according to Bleacher Report. It comes at a time when there are rumors Kuzma is as good as gone in L.A.
Kuzma was selected by the Lakers in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft, and is currently the longest-tenured player on the roster. He signed a three-year, $40 million contract with the team last December.
It’s unclear what L.A. could be looking for in return if Kuzma is dealt, though reports suggest they’re searching for shooting and playmaking this offseason — two things Kuzma has struggled with. Yet, the Lakers don’t have too much to offer since they’re already over the cap with LeBron James and Anthony Davis’ heavy contracts.
Kuzma has been at the center of trade rumors since the Lakers’ season ended in June, after the Suns eliminated them in the first round of the playoffs.
The Puma-sponsored athlete saw his stats diminish in the postseason, which could be an argument for the Lakers to trade him. His field goal percentage dropped from 44.3 percent to 29.2, and his shooting from behind the arc plummeted from 36.1 percent to 17.4 — as well as rebounds and assist averages.
However, Kuzma has had to adjust to a new role as a sixth man since the Lakers acquired Davis in June 2019, in a trade that sent most of their draft capital to the Pelicans.
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Roster shifts due to injuries also impacted Kuzma playing his usual position at power forward — something he has been vocal about, and said he hopes to expand his on-court presence.
“My biggest thing is I just want to play within a consistent role. If I have that ability, I’ll be able to showcase what I can really do,” Kuzma recently told Bleacher Report in his new multipart series, “Hanging With Kuz.”
“There were parts of this year — and even anywhere else in my career — when I’m in a consistent space, I’m out there handling the ball, making teammates better, scoring, shooting, defending, rebounding,” he explained, noting, “I think if I’m in that space, I’ll be good.”
Kuzma hopes to earn offensive trust and lead his teammates with improved playmaking ability through offseason work.
“I’m working on my ball-handling so I’m able to get where I want on the court more efficiently and not necessarily be an in-the-corner type of shooter,” he said.
Despite the role change, Kuzma’s built a defensive identity in L.A. getting stops and running the floor as an off-the-bench force, and spot starter. He’s matured and evolved his game, while fitting into a James-Davis led team.
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James even praised his offensive rebounding and ability to knock down shots in February, when he said he felt Kuzma had finally found his role within the team.
Kuzma told B/R he “definitely” believes he could be a prominent role-player with the ability to average 25 points per game, as well as reach All-Star level.
“I don’t really care what nobody thinks or says. I know myself, and I know my ability. It’s hard to be consistent in an inconsistent role. I’m excited for a more consistent space next year,” he said.
Kuzma’s future in L.A. remains to be seen. The trade market opens on Aug. 2, following the 2021 NBA Draft on July 29.
