via Imago
Oct 9, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (33) drives to the basket past New York Knicks forward Obi Toppin (1) during the third quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
via Imago
Oct 9, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (33) drives to the basket past New York Knicks forward Obi Toppin (1) during the third quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
The off season saw some big trades happen. Many teams went through a complete rebuild with unfamiliar faces coming in. Likewise, a stand out trade came between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Washington Wizards. The Lakers received Russell Westbrook in exchange for Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell and KCP on draft day. Many believed the purple and gold to be the winners. However, the story is taking a different course.
With 12 new players coming in, the Lakers are still in the stage of setting in as a unit. Likewise, with so many new faces, it will take some time. On the other hand, the Wizards couldn’t ask for a better start to their season with just a single loss under their belt so far. Moreover, Kuzma and Harrell are putting up great numbers after a change in teams.
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 22, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (33) reacts after making after a three point field goal against the Indiana Pacers during the fourth quarter in overtime at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
For the Lakers, they have racked up more losses than wins so far. Likewise, fans took notice and don’t leave any chance to troll the Laker nation.
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Fans suggest Wizards won the trade over the Lakers
With fans, all they need is an eye to see how things turn out. Not many would imagine adding a nine time All-Star would hurt. However, with five games to show, the purple and gold haven’t set their chemistry in place. For the Wizards, it is a different story winning even without their best player, Bradley Beal in the initial stage. Looking at how the former Laker men are doing, fans are having a go at the organisation.
10 days into the NBA & it’s lookin like the wizards won that trade more than the Lakers Lhh
— Em'cee (@Ec_a1) October 29, 2021
Wizards stole off on the Lakers 🤣🤣 https://t.co/DQTww0D4rQ
— CJ McClutch'em🍁 (@CjonCLOUDS) October 29, 2021
Lakers traded for an MVP but the wizards actually have gotten better. 🥴 https://t.co/MpNRZEs9CP
— ⚔️ (@KoolGiVan) October 29, 2021
Did Wizards really win the Lakers trade 😳
— Chris Ogden (@cxogdenxsince91) October 29, 2021
Lakers got absolutely fleeced in that Russ trade.
Wizards now 4-1 to start the season and are getting huge contributions from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell and Kyle Kuzma.
— Greg Rosenstein (@grosenstein) October 29, 2021
Russ fans are literally cursed how are the Wizards 3-1 and the Lakers 2-3?
— cantguardruss (@cantguardruss) October 28, 2021
kuz, kcp and trez thriving on the wizards while the lakers blow 26 point leads to the thunder pic.twitter.com/vV9rDlyYlU
— buckets (@buckets) October 28, 2021
Kuz, Trez and KCP are thriving in DC this season.
Kuz: 14 PPG, 12 RPG
Trez: 18 PPG, 9 PPG, 68 FG%
KCP: 9 PPG, 42 3P%The Wizards are 3-1. pic.twitter.com/nUPomloZxd
— StatMuse (@statmuse) October 28, 2021
Did the Wizards pull off the greatest heist in history? pic.twitter.com/6bpq8F33fA
— JⱤ🥀 (@PlayoffSkinzz) October 29, 2021
The Los Angeles Lakers blew a 26 point lead to the worst team in the NBA, while Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Montrezl Harrell are flourishing on the Washington Wizards. pic.twitter.com/cyNfdkn7uZ
— Colb (@___Colb___) October 28, 2021
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Analysts predicted that a shift in scene would come up big for Kuzma. Likewise, it has worked exactly that way so far. Kuzma has racked up multiple 20 point games and is truly developing into a good scorer on the Wizards. Getting the starting role, he has excelled so averaging 15.2 points and 11 rebounds in five games.
Harrell continued his role off the bench, until the recent game where he took the starting spot. He has back to back games scoring 25 points. He has also scored over 20 points three times in five games. Currently, Harrell is putting up career numbers with 19.2 points and 9.4 rebounds through 5 games.
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While the Lakers do have a worse record, it is tough looking at just 5 games. On the other hand, Kuzma seems to have found his calling in Washington along with Harell as they enjoy great start. However, it will be key for them to stay consistent and keep performing. Who do you think won the trade? Let us know in the comments below.
