Despite talks between the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs having stalled, the former remains intent to keep second-year forward Kyle Kuzma out of any trade conversations for Kawhi Leonard.

“They’ve [Lakers] been willing to offer what they consider to be a fair package but they’ve made it very clear to San Antonio that Kyle Kuzma is off limits…they’re not letting go of Kuzma,” said ESPN's Steven A. Smith.

The Lakers' pursuit of Leonard doesn't seem to be as aggressive as it was prior to the end of June before LeBron James committed to sign with the team, as the Spurs have been rather disgusted with the packages offered for their star forward.

Kuzma is arguably the most talented and unarguably the most NBA-ready rookie they drafted in 2017, and that is in an NBA Draft in which they selected Lonzo Ball with the second overall pick and Josh Hart with the last pick of the first round.

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The Michigan native posted 16.1 points and 6.3 rebounds in his rookie season, proving to be a capable shooter from distance with a respectable 36.6 percent from deep.

The Spurs have reportedly no interest in Lonzo Ball due to his recent meniscus injury and the lack of fundamentals the franchise has always taken into consideration.

Taking Kuzma off the table likely kills any potential for the Leonard trade, as most teams have been reluctant to give up assets and made pick-heavy offers for San Antonio's injured star forward.