The Los Angeles Lakers have had a huge offseason after winning the NBA Finals last year. It is clear that Rob Pelinka and company are looking to create a dynasty to win multiple championships with LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the way. However, a decision may have to be made soon about talented young forward Kyle Kuzma.
Kuzma is already thinking about a contract extension. Depending on the price that he is looking for, the Lakers may choose to not give him that extension.
If they choose not to pay Kuzma, they need to look into trading him. Kuzma is entering the final year of his contract, but the Lakers will be able to put a qualifying offer on the table for Kuzma next offseason. They would have the chance to match any offer sheet he chose to sign in free agency.
More than likely, a team would swoop in and offer Kuzma more money than the Lakers are willing to match. Assuming that is the case, trading him now or at least before the NBA trade deadline would make sense. Kuzma doesn’t necessarily fit perfectly with this group of guys either.
Last season with the Lakers, Kuzma struggled to find his role. He ended the season averaging 12.8 points per game to go along with 4.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists. Kuzma shot 43.6 percent from the floor overall and knocked down 31.6 percent of his three-point attempts.
Obviously, there is a lot of room for the 25-year-old forward to improve. But, he has a lot of potential and quite a few teams could use a player like him.
All of that being said, let’s take a look at four teams who should look to acquire Kyle Kuzma from the Lakers either this offseason or ahead of the trade deadline.
