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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

The Lakers in the off-season were easily one of the busiest teams. After a 2020-21 season to forget, the Lakers knew they had to make some massive changes to their roster. President Rob Pelinka certainly heard the team’s prayers as the Lakers made some big moves.

Trading away some big starters and rotational pieces like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell and Kyle Kuzma and 2022 future first-round pick, the Lakers followed Brooklyn Nets’ footsteps and added a superstar in Russell Westbrook.

Not only did they bring a superstar like Westbrook, they also added many quality veterans like Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard. Given their star-studded team, the Lakers were expected to have a great season ahead.

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Kyle Kuzma mocks the Lakers about Westbrook trade

While the Purple and Gold have made some incredible signings, their start to the season has been nothing short of terrible. With two losses in a row from the hands of the Warriors and the Suns respectively, the Lakers find themselves winless so far.

Meanwhile the Wizards who have a host of ex-Lakers have had a perfect start to their season with a 2-0 start. After their most recent win, former Lakers’ forward Kyle Kuzma spoke about the Westbrook trade.

In a recent interview the 25-year-old certainly took a subtle dig at Westbrook and his ex-team. “I mean, you gotta do that trade 10 out of 10 times. If you have an opportunity to get five good basketball players for one, it makes sense. Granted, [Westbrook is] obviously a Hall of Fame player and everything. He’s an unbelievable player, don’t take that wrong,”

Kuzma might not be as expressive about the ‘Brodie’ trade moving from a contender like the Lakers to a team fighting for a playoff spot like the Wizards might be the right step for the forward.

His stats already speak for themselves. In the two games he has played, Kuz has averaged 18.5 points, 2.5 assists and 13 rebounds per game. A presence like the 25-year-old is also an element the Lakers are lacking right now. While the team does have size, the lack of a player like Kuzma who has become a viable rebounder is a big miss.

So far, the Westbrook trade only looks like a big mistake. But the Lakers will hope that ‘Brodie’ eventually gains form. Do you think LeBron and Co. will end up regretting their core for Westbrook? Will Kyle Kuzma have a breakthrough season in the 2021-22 campaign.

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