Lakers Urged to Shop Forward Before Trade Deadline

The trade deadline is almost here, and NBA fans have released the wildest stories. Yes, we have heard too many rumors on Kyle Kuzma’s potential trade. According to recent reports, the Lakers may definitely shop the forward.

Greg Swartz from Bleacher Report urged the franchise to take Kuzma into consideration.

“The only player remotely worth shopping is Kuzma, as the 25-year-old is now under a reasonable three-year, $39 million extension (including the player option) that kicks in next season. He’s one of the few attractive trade pieces left on L.A.’s roster, even if the Lakers need him as a scorer and floor-spacer off the bench.”

The Lakers may not shop the forward

The Lakers offered Kuzma an extension while he was on his rookie contract. This changes the entire situation. Bobby Marks from ESPN has more details on this one.

Kuzma had some struggles on the field. He couldn’t find his role off the bench in 2020. The young Laker played fewer minutes and wasn’t really a target. However, things took a different turn this season. Kuzma plays “winning basketball” on the court. He is averaging 10.1 points in 24 minutes per game, while shooting at 43.9% from the field and 39.3% from beyond the arc. Let’s not forget that he also adds 5.6 rebounds per game.

“I feel like he’s at peace with what’s being asked of him, and is going out there and killing it,” head coach Frank Vogel told media members. “What we talked about a lot last year, he’s being a star in his role. Him coming in and knocking down 3s, and making the right play offensively, sometimes that’s going to lead to a high scoring night, sometimes it’s going to lead to creating for others.

“Guys don’t always have that ability to play hard like that naturally. Sometimes you have to pull it out of people, but you don’t have to pull it out of Kuz. That’s just the way he plays. He’s been a big part of our culture here the last two years.”

Los Angeles considered trading for Derrick Rose. However, he will probably move on with the New York Knicks.