Even though on a three-game winning streak, the Los Angeles Lakers have many fixes to make. Amongst them is their rebounding. With Anthony Davis the only distinguished big in the rotations, they ranked 25th in offensive rebounding. Hence, the links to Wizards’ Jonas Valanciunas are gaining gravitas with each passing day. However, they could only snipe another Washington star, and it would be a homecoming.

In recent weeks, the name of Kyle Kuzma has been floated around in trade talks. Kuz, currently suffering from a rib sprain hasn’t had the greatest season thus far, synonymous with how the Wizards have performed this season. But title challengers are heavily sold on his skillset. After all, he’s a wing that can shoot the ball when given the right looks.

It just so happens that the Wizards, having knowledge of how far they stand are willing to offload the seasoned forward. According to Marc Stein, “The rising belief leaguewide is that the Wizards are eager to find a trade partner for Kuzma at some point during the next six-plus weeks”. Kuzma too seems on board.

Naturally, similar to last season, the potential of returning back to the Purple and Gold is wide open. The Lakers, alongside rebounding, are in dire need of a capable shooter. Kuzma has been subpar from the perimeter, but when on the Lakers shot a career-best 36.1% in his last season.

For a team that ranks 22nd, a player like Kuzma could tremendously bolster their competitiveness. And it seems Laker Nation agrees.

Laker Nation urges Rob Pelinka to trade for Kyle Kuzma

There are several reasons for the Lakers to make a possible trade for Kyle Kuzma. But the most helpful is his prior experience playing beside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. With his experience within the Lakers, not only can he adapt faster, but also be gain a role that he found great success in. And fans feel “Rob Pelinka cannot miss out on this”.

Kuzma was a part of the ravishing young core the Lakers once boasted. It included the likes of Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and Lonzo Ball all of whom have delivered on their promising potential. Additionally, the 29-year-old had his best scoring season as part of the Lakers.

A move for Kyle Kuzma opens the horizon for a meticulous coach such as JJ Redick. Whether it’s a mix of lineups or even another scoring threat, a trade could significantly improve the Lakers. One fan underlined this urgency. “Lakers need tell them make the deal” they wrote.

Even though his stint was short, Kyle Kuzma played an integral role in the Lakers hanging a 17th banner in the rafters. His contributions during the postseason, especially in the series against their nemesis, the Nuggets became a huge reason behind the Purple and Gold’s last championship conquest.

And as time has passed, Kuzma too has evolved as a player. Even with a heavy-scoring guard like Jordan Poole by his side, Kuzma averaged a career-high 22 points last season. Furthermore, he has the ability to stay healthy, having played at least 60 games in all of his seven seasons. “He’ll probably go back to the Lakers. We’ll take it” a fan wrote.

If played right, the Lakers could potentially grab both Kuzma and Valanciunas, filling two voids at the same time. They both have relatively friendly contracts. Moreover, with the Wizards’ current position, the leverage is arguably in the hands of the Purple and Gold. It’s all about constructing a fair deal.

Most important though is Kyle Kuzma’s time with the Lakers. He has claimed to have learned “everything” during his time on the Purple and Gold.  Now, he is more mature and aware of his playstyle. And fans feel he could be the missing key. “Send him to the Lake Show and call it a day” one fan encaptured the sentiment.

For Kuz in particular, it’s a chance to return to the place where he made valuable contributions. Then there is the chance of competing, which at 29 years old is an enticing offer. One thing is for certain, the Lakers have to be quick to act. Several teams have marked Kuzma as a target. Hence, it could come down to a rat race.

Do you think the Lakers should make this move? Let us know your views in the comments below.