Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart were traded to the New Orleans Pelicans this offseason, but Kyle Kuzma sees it as a blessing in disguise for his former Los Angeles Lakers teammates.
The incoming third-year forward, who has remained friends with Ingram, Ball and Hart, told Arash Markazi of the Los Angeles Times that the three will have a great year in NOLA where they are in an “unbelievable situation.”
“They’re my friends and we’re always going to be friends,” Kuzma said. “Just because we’re not teammates doesn’t mean we won’t be friends. I’m always going to communicate with them and keep up with them. I’m just happy for those guys. They’re in an unbelievable situation for them to really grow and become the players they want to be.”
From 2014 to 2018, the Lakers have attempted to build a championship-contending team through the draft. Unfortunately, none of the guys they have selected were able to live up to the expectations in Los Angeles. From Julius Randle to D'Angelo Russell, and most recently, Ingram and Ball, every single draft pick that they've had during those four years have been traded.
All except for Kuzma.
Kuzma is expected to play a major role in the Lakers' quest for a championship next season. Meanwhile, Ball, Ingram and Hart will team up with 2019 No.1 pick Zion Williamson to form the young core of the Pelicans.
Both teams have great futures ahead of them. It's only a matter of who will be more successful over the next few years.
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