Lakers Forward Among Those ‘Likeliest’ to be Trade

The Los Angeles Lakers may part ways with a young forward, and the player is on a good way to end up on the trade block.

NBA analysts would agree that Kyle Kuzma is an excellent trade asset. The Lakers may get a few draft picks by sending him away. This adds fuel to all the rumors surrounding Kuzma and his future with the Lakers. The young forward heard all the stories about his next move. Well, Kuzma’s trade is making headlines again.

Zach Buckey from Bleacher Report added Kuzma to the list of four players “likeliest to be traded this offseason.” He cited his talent, age, and salary.

“Status quo won’t cut it for the Lakers. Not when they’re fighting against the clock to make another title push with 36-year-old LeBron James at the helm. Their roster needs bulking up, and given their limited collection of assets—among other issues, they only have two first-round picks to put in trade talks (this year’s No. 22 and the 2027 selection)—Kuzma might be their best bridge to an impact addition.”

The Lakers forward was already on the trade block

This doesn’t come as a surprise to us all. People have been discussing Kuzma’s trade from the very first moment he entered the NBA.

Here’s a fun fact. Kuzma is fine with this. He tolerates pretty much every story about his departure from Los Angeles.

“I really don’t care, honestly,” he said. “You can’t control it. If I get traded, I get traded. It don’t matter. I’m still going to play basketball. I’m still going to play the game I love. Still going to be paid.”

Jake Fischer from Bleacher Report reported that the Lakers tried to trade the forward at the deadline last year.

“I think they’ve been trying to move Kuzma for a long time,” an assistant general manager told Fischer. “His defense has always been questionable, and I think his early success has become a bit of fool’s gold.”

Kuzma will be 26 next season. He improved his defense and his offensive skills are good. The young player didn’t get much chance to shine. Maybe he will shine somewhere else.