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When the Los Angeles Lakers traded for Anthony Davis, it was clear that they held Kyle Kuzma in higher esteem. While the Lakers were willing to part ways with young talents like Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram, Kuzma looked like the player that would be kept around. The Lakers would eventually ease the transitional phase the franchise would surely undergo once LeBron James retired.
However, Kuzma has already found himself included in trade rumors in advance of the February deadline. Shams Charania reported teams are showing interest in trading for Kuzma.
Sam Amick of The Athletic reported the Lakers now seem more inclined to listen to offers:
Jokes aside, here’s the real question some executives are asking about the 24-year-old forward: Will Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka eventually send him packing to upgrade the Lakers’ roster for a title run? As our Shams Charania reported Friday, teams are monitoring his situation and wondering whether he can be had before the Feb. 6 trade deadline. What’s more, sources now say the Lakers have shown a recent willingness to listen to pitches for Kuzma.
And … we’re off — sort of. From the Lakers’ perspective, this open-phone-lines approach is merely a case of Pelinka doing due diligence as opposed to having substantive discussions. If only because nothing of real interest has come their way — yet.
Kuzma averaged 18.7 points per game and started in 68 of 70 appearances last season. But the arrival of Davis and Danny Green have changed his role in the rotation.
The former Utah star has seen a drastic minutes reduction (33.1 minutes last year compared to 23.6 this season). Furthermore, he is more of a bench scorer than a key fixture in the lineup.
Of course, it is worth noting that Kuzma is still averaging 18.5 points per 36 minutes. However, he also has the worst net rating (-10), player efficiency rating (11.2) and value over replacement player (-0.4) of his career.
It might be time to capitalize on a trade. The Lakers could sell out for a title this year if they can also accrue decent value in exchange for Kuzma.
