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Kyle Kuzma #18 of the Milwaukee Bucks may very well be a Lakers goal.
It’s not tough to find out that the Los Angeles Lakers are getting nearer to the underside of the barrel relating to discovering solutions on the energy ahead spot. Not solely have the cries for Jonathan Kuminga, of all gamers, to land in L.A. gotten extra determined, however the seek for somebody to fill the function has been going ever farther afield. There have even been solutions that the Lakers may weigh bringing again prodigal shooter Kyle Kuzma, who’s within the last 12 months (at $20 million) of his contract with the Bucks.
Kuzma averaged 13.0 factors and 4.5 rebounds final season, capturing 49.2% from the sector and 34.7% from the 3-point line. That final quantity is a reasonably huge drawback for him–he’s seen as a stretch-4, and that’s what the Lakers would need him to be. But he’s a profession 33.5% 3-point shooter, and has by no means matched the 36.6% he shot from the arc as a rookie in L.A. in 2017-18.
Kuzma spent his first 4 seasons–together with the championship 12 months in 2020–with the Lakers earlier than he was dealt to the Wizards within the Russell Westbrook commerce in 2021.
Lakers Could Use Kyle Kuzma at PF
The Lakers haven’t any beginning energy ahead. As issues stand, they’d in all probability put Sandro Mamukelashvili within the function, however he was dropped at the Lakers as a flexible 4-5 backup, not as a starter. In all, Mamukelashvili has began 28 video games in 5 seasons. The Lakers may conceivably give the job to Jarred Vanderbilt, however they’ve been attempting to rid themselves of Vanderbilt for a lot of the offseason.
Thus the potential of Vanderbilt (who has two years and $26 million on his contract) being traded to Milwaukee in a package deal to get Kuzma has been floated. But it’s not well-received, actually, from both the Bucks or the Lakers factors of view.
Tough Fit for the Lakers
That’s how veteran Lakers author Jovan Buha of The Athletic put it. Speaking on, “The Lakers Collective” podcast, Buha defined why the Bucks and Lakers would have points with a Kuzma deal.
“I don’t think Kuz is a starter or closer against OKC or San Antonio. I can see him being the stopgap place-holder. …” Buha stated.
“I am of the belief that I value more the player we saw the last couple of years and that player, to me, is more like an OK rotation guy but not a starter, not a starter on a contender. I guess, for the specific role that the Lakers need, you could talk me into it, especially if you’re getting off Vando because there is a two-fold benefit. You’re getting a better player now and clear that cap space next summer, but if you’re Milwaukee, why would I do that for one second-round pick, or two second-round picks?”
Bucks May Want Better Kyle Kuzma Package
And the Lakers can be giving up an enormous chunk of their restricted draft belongings for … Kuzma? And half a season of Kuzma at that?
Said Buha: “If I am Milwaukee, I would want more if Vando is included. If you do, maybe Hardy and jake gets you there, maybe that with a second I am interested if I am Milwaukee. But why would I take on Vando’s contract for one seconds if I am Milwaukee? And if you’re the Lakers, do you want to give up half your assets for potentially one year of Kyle Kuzma, a year in which he doesn’t even fit?”
Sean Deveney is a veteran sports activities reporter protecting the NBA, NFL and MLB for Heavy.com. He has written for Heavy since 2019 and has greater than 20 years of expertise protecting the NBA, together with 17 years because the lead NBA reporter for the Sporting News. Deveney is the creator of seven nonfiction books, together with “Fun City,” “Before Wrigley became Wrigley,” and “Facing Michael Jordan.” More about Sean Deveney
