Recent rumors surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers have definitely left NBA fans feeling perplexed. With the trade deadline this week, the Lakers have been busy trying to build a roster that can support its superstar, LeBron James. With many ongoing discussions and talks, the recent update of bringing back a former teammate has seemingly set the internet on fire.
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Chris Haynes from Bleacher Report said that the Lakers have reportedly inquired about a potential Kyle Kuzma trade. Kuzma, along with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had been traded to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Russell Westbrook in 2021. Fans had plenty to say following this latest development.
“Why did we let him go in the first place?“, asked one fan.
Here are some of the reactions from NBA Twitter:
Why did we let him go in the first place 😵💫 https://t.co/3XcNTyqWgb pic.twitter.com/0pFDLQq5LB
— Bow Bow Bow 🫡 (@yeauxace) December 15, 2022
So they sent a frp to get rid of him and now have to send another frp at least to get him back?
— JP (@mbamjv) December 14, 2022
The entire front office should be fired if this is true. You had kuzma and you traded him away along with draft picks…you can't then turn around a year later and give away more assets to get him back…Jerry buss rolling over in his grave
— JDandOL (@JDandOLmusic) December 15, 2022
Lol gonna bring him back to just sit in the corner and watch iso ball?? Nahhh keep ballin in DC @kylekuzma
— Coach Bur (@coach_bur) December 14, 2022
Give a first to get rid of him then give a first to take him back, that’s the Laker way
— He Wanted DeMar First (@BronToAD) December 14, 2022
Kyle Kuzma has arguably thrived since joining the Wizards lineup. He has been averaging 21.3 points and 7.7 rebounds so far this season, all career highs. He admitted, “Here I am not playing behind LeBron and AD“.
However at the same time, as per media reports, it is for the precise reason that the Lakers want to rope him in: “…knowing Kuzma has championship experience playing alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis“.
What are the chances of Kuzma’s reunion with LeBron James?
Haynes also reported that the Washington Wizards love their player and how he complements the team. The franchise may even be open for a contract extension for Kuzma, but if it comes to a trade, they are not “going to give Kyle Kuzma up for cheap“.
It is reported that Kuzma could earn a hefty contract next year. Reports state that he was fishing for a “significant pay upgrade in free agency“.
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USA Today via Reuters
Dec 13, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) dunks the ball in the second half against the Boston Celtics at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Both the Wizards and the Los Angeles Lakers sit at number 12 in the Eastern and Western Conferences respectively. The Lakers have attempted to turn things around, particularly with Anthony Davis‘ recent performances.
The franchise seemingly has a penchant for reunions as they have previously brought back former teammates including Dwight Howard and Dennis Shroder.
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Will a Kyle Kuzma trade benefit the Lakers? Most importantly, will he support LeBron James? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
