The Kyle Kuzma Era is officially coming to an end in Los Angeles. https://t.co/jNb20UAnJr
— Game 7 (@game7__) October 15, 2020
The Los Angeles Lakers are less than a week removed from winning their 17th championship in franchise history. One of the benefits of winning an NBA Title is that it immediately makes all of the players who contributed to the effort look significantly better than they otherwise would.
That is what is currently happening with Lakers youngster Kyle Kuzma. According to Shams Charania of the Athletic, there are “several interested clubs” eying a potential trade for him.
Kuzma’s numbers dropped dramatically this past season due to the arrival of Anthony Davis. He went from averaging 18.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists on 45.6 percent shooting from the field and 30.3 percent beyond the arc, to 12.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists on 43.6% shooting from the field and 31.6% from beyond the arc.
In the playoffs, Kuzma’s totals dipped even further. He averaged 10 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game on 43.0% shooting from the field and 31.3% from beyond the arc. Needless to say, he struggled on the big stage.
So who would be interested in acquiring Kuzma, and what could they offer in return? There are three intriguing suitors.
The Indiana Pacers currently have a potentially messy situation on their hands with Victor Oladipo. The 28-year-old wants a max deal that will pay him as though he is still the player he was in 2017, and the Pacers are unsure if he is in fact still that guy.
The Lakers need additional talent, particularly at the guard position. Adding Oladipo and betting on him returning to All-Star form is a worthwhile wager for the organization, especially if all it costs them is Kuzma.
The Pacers, meanwhile, would gain a nice young role player who would work regardless of whether they want to keep Myles Turner around or not.
The Detroit Pistons are currently in the midst of a rebuild, as was made clear by the decision to get rid of Andre Drummond. Blake Griffin looked like a shell of his former self last season, so this unit needs an infusion of young talent.
Detroit has the cap space to re-sign Kuzma, and also has Derrick Rose signed for one more year at $7 million. With Rajon Rondo and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope possibly on their way out of LA, Rose could go a long way in providing backcourt support for the reigning champs.
Finally, if the Lakers really want to make a risky bet, they could offer Kuzma up to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a deal centering around Chris Paul.
Again, point guard is the team’s biggest question mark. They got by this year thanks to LeBron James being LeBron James and massive playoff contributions from Rondo and Caldwell-Pope, but both could be gone next year.
The Thunder would have the cap space needed to re-sign Kuzma long-term, and with Danilo Gallinari’s inevitable departure to a contending NBA team, he would immediately get significant playing time.
LakerTom says
Interesting article. The Pacers Oladipo or Turner would be great fits for the Lakers as would be the Pistons Rose or Wood and the Thunder’s Paul or Gallinari.
I would rank Oladipo first, Rose second, and CP3 third because of his contract. Interesting that all three are point guards.
I also love the idea of Christian Wood or Myles Turner as stretch five centers who can also protect the rim and defend on the perimeter like AD. Keep Rondo and trade for Wood or Turner could be the most exciting option.