Amid Lakers Rumors, Kyle Kuzma Recalls When LeBron James’ Almost Punched Forgotten NBA Star

It was the 2020 Western Conference Semifinals. The Los Angeles Lakers needed just one more win to advance to the Conference Finals and their opponents were the Houston Rockets. Of course, all of us know that Los Angeles was the eventual Champions. But one of the more priceless and hilarious moments occurred in Game 5. Granted, it could have gone very wrong, very fast. Thankfully, it didn’t, and it turned out to be just simply an amusing yet memorable moment. More importantly, it ended up being one that many associate with a forgotten NBA star. Namely, Austin Rivers.

Fortunately or unfortunately (depending on the way you look at it), that clip is back on X and leaving behind a trail of hysterical reactions. One of them is Kyle Kuzma. The 28-year-old was playing for the Purple & Gold at the time and was witness to the whole shebang. It wouldn’t be too far of a stretch to say that he was laughing then, and most certainly still is! Sharing the video, he wrote, “This shiii was so funny lmfaoooo”. But, what exactly happened?

The Lakers were up 3-1 and all they needed was the Game 5 win. By the fourth quarter, it was quite visible that Houston wasn’t surviving the night. LeBron was simply thrashing their defense left and right. However, Rivers was doing his best to ensure the ‘Akron Hammer’ didn’t get easy buckets. Easier said than done, but ‘A’ for effort! It was during one such instance that the incident took place.

There were 7 minutes left on the clock when Austin Rivers was trying to swat the ball away as Bron was attempting a shot. James threw the ball, but it was a harmless shot. The harm, though, happened right after. As the ball came down, Rivers tapped the ball away, which looked to have a mind of its own as it soared and hit the shiny head of LeBron James. The ‘L Train’ immediately turned around, looking like a dark thundercloud and fuming like a bull.

Austin wasted no time apologizing for the unintentional hit. It seemed to have done the trick, because Bron turned back around and walked down, shaking his head. He looked like he would have relished a brawl, though, don’t you think? It certainly would have been a video the Lakers would have kept close for a good laugh in retrospect! Even ex-Lakers.

Although, it looks like Kyle Kuzma might be making a return to Los Angeles!

Kyle Kuzma back to the Lakers?

The Lakers are looking at some major changes. The Purple & Gold has been constantly linked to popular trade names like Trae Young and Donovan Mitchell. Of course, the first and foremost the franchise did was to relieve Darvin Ham from his services. We all know how that went. But it would look like they aren’t averse to the idea of bringing a familiar face back on the court. Yup, Kyle Kuzma.

“Trading Kuzma, they had to do that because he wanted to be The Man, and the thing is, he got to be The Man on a team that is a long way from being good,” an NBA executive explained to Heavy Sports. Apparently, they didn’t want to let go of Kuzma. “But you have to hope that Kyle Kuzma has matured, that he is tired of his team getting kicked around all the time and he wants to win. … He can go back to the Lakers and help them win. They need a 4 (power forward) who can score a bit. He’d fit if that is what he wants,” he further stated.

Kyle Kuzma was dependable during his time with the Lakers. Although his numbers with Washington now don’t pop off the page, the one thing he’s got going for him is his familiarity with LeBron and AD. So, if he is okay with being the third wheel while helping the team get their 17th ring, there is a real chance KK could be back.

Of course, the asking price would be quite an interesting one. Then again, the Lakers wouldn’t mind it if it meant getting Kyle Kuzma would guarantee a realistic title run the next season. Let’s wait and see!

Before you go, another matter that is foremost in our minds is about our beloved Inside the NBA crew. While many are sure they are going to be disbanded, Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, thinks otherwise. To know more about his comments, watch this video.