USA Today via Reuters
Sep 30, 2020; Orlando, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with forward Kyle Kuzma (0) during the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat in game one of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 30, 2020; Orlando, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with forward Kyle Kuzma (0) during the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat in game one of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope made their return to the Crypto.com Arena on Friday as the Washington Wizards took on the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers and LeBron James gave a warm round of applause to the former champs and they even made them a tribute video.
The Lakers traded the duo to the Washington Wizards in a massive deal for Russell Westbrook. Both of them were fan favorites at the Lakers and were key rotation pieces. KCP was the best 3-D guy the Lakers had for the last two seasons. While Kuzma was a young player with all-star potential. LeBron welcomed them with a hug and exchanged words with the duo.
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 12, 2022
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Fans go berserk as the photo of LeBron James and Kyle Kuzma went viral
Fans went crazy seeing the duo back at the Lakers. They asked to get them back to the team. Here are the best reactions:
Trade Westbrook for KCP and Kuzma👀
— NBABum💜💛🖤 (@BBbum21) March 12, 2022
LeBron to Kuz and KCP pic.twitter.com/4EDaLcKHal
— Angel (@alifeofjp) March 12, 2022
“I made a horrible mistake. Please come back” – Lebron
— SNBets (@SNBets) March 12, 2022
I miss KCP pic.twitter.com/KCJ1Qu53ZO
— Kev 🥷🏽 (@KeViiN1537) March 12, 2022
This shit got me depressed now pic.twitter.com/SOhPu60XIY
— COLE🏵 (@ColeDoesNotCare) March 12, 2022
Bring em back pls
— YPC Slimee 💚 (@KentrellsTwin) March 12, 2022
We know. pic.twitter.com/UxLNDgLn6j
— Name Cannot Be Blank (@215_ReemSP) March 12, 2022
LeBron wishing they were on the Lakers right now
— Lance (@lancem69) March 12, 2022
Underrated Champions, had good years in LA
— Mason Foster (@MasonFozz21) March 12, 2022
Bron like I need y’all I’m sorry
— LBE Deezy (@deezy_dinero) March 12, 2022
How has the trade panned out?
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The Lakers sent Kuzma, KCP, and Montrezl Harrell in exchange for Westbrook. They expected to become instant title contenders with the acquisition of Russ. However, things have not gone according to plan. The Lakers are currently in the ninth spot in the West and are nine games below .500. They gave up a lot for Russ and he has not delivered up to the mark. Additionally, the Lakers have struggled with injuries. Anthony Davis has missed 29 games while LeBron James has missed 18.
USA Today via Reuters
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (1) reacts to making a three point basket during the first quarter against the Miami Heat in game one of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
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The Wizards actually have a better record than the Lakers, but they are not in the play-in spot. Kuzma and KCP are averaging better numbers than last season and the duo have fit in well with the Wizards. Kuz seems to have improved a lot from last year and he has come up big in clutch moments for Wizards. The Lakers will definitely be missing the duo, especially now when they are struggling.
