Lakers Rumor: Ex-LA Star’s Return Possible as LeBron and Coach JJ Redick Eye Recruitment, Risking Fan-Favorite Star

The Lakers have been keeping busy this off-season in an attempt to revamp and restructure. They’ve been linked to many players. JJ Redick, a front-runner for the coaching job, talked about the importance of having good supporting casts with LeBron James. He commended the rosters of the 4 conference finalists—Minnesota, Dallas, Indiana, and Boston—noting the important roles supporting players played. “These games have been won by the MVPs of the role players,” James said. Will their opinions on the matter have an impact on LA’s decisions? Amidst all the chaos, a certain ex-star’s name has been making rounds.

“If there’s teams out here looking to see how to be successful, obviously you gotta have a star. You gotta have one, possibly two, that’s gonna make sure that everybody stays even-keeled. But at the end of the day, you gotta have those soldiers around, man. You gotta have the consiglieres and the capos and the rest of those guys that’s gonna be ready to go, man. And that’s what we see at the final four right now in the NBA,” LeBron James said while addressing JJ and the “Mind The Game” fanbase.

Honestly, this appears to be influencing the Lakers’ recruitment process. According to The Athletic, the Lakers are considering acquiring players such as Donovan Mitchell, Trae Young, Darius Garland, and Dejounte Murray. Not only that, they are also on the trade lookout. Some names that have come up are; Jerami Grant, Malcolm Brogdon, Deandre Hunter, and Kyle Kuzma.

Unfortunately, the fan’s favorite, Jarred Vanderbilt, might be offered into the trade market soon. Although they aren’t actively trying to get rid of him, they are making him available as an option in case the right opportunity arises. On the other hand, Austin Reaves has nothing to worry about since the team is interested in keeping him on their roster. But is a reunion in the stars for Lakers fans?

Kyle Kuzma already took his shots at the LeBron James and Co.

Only last month, the ex-Laker made headlines for his cryptic tweet. After LA lost their first round in the playoff series 3-0 to the Denver Nuggets, Kyle Kuzma was quick to share his thoughts on social media. Certainly, the timing of both matched. He wrote, “Backkkk dennn they didn’t wantttt mee.” From the looks of it, this was probably a reference to the Lakers’ decision to trade him to the Washington Wizards back in 2021 for Russell Westbrook.

#27 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Kuzma debuted with LA. In four seasons with them, he averaged 15.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 276 games. His chemistry was exceptional, too. In his second season, he played alongside LeBron as a starter and was averaging 18.7 points! Sadly, he spent a lot of time on the bench later on. Until 2020, when the Lakers won a championship; he played an important role. In such a situation, one may understand why he might hold resentment against the team for being traded.

In light of Kuzma’s assumed stance about the whole situation, a reunion does not seem the most likely. But the NBA off-season is very unpredictable, so no possibilities should be ruled out. The possibility of an ex-player’s return is definitely cause for excitement.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow in what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.