The Los Angeles Lakers are set to kick off their regular season on October 22. If they don’t make any trades or sign a free agent before that date, they will head into the season without making significant changes during the offseason.
The Lakers might evaluate their current roster before deciding on any trades, which would help them identify their needs. They still possess valuable assets, including two first-round draft picks, which they could leverage in potential trades.
In his analysis of possible trade targets for the season, Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report identified Kyle Kuzma as a viable option to address the team’s weaknesses. He noted, “Kuzma would be less expensive than either LaVine or Porter Jr. and has previously demonstrated more defensive capability than both.” Kuzma’s contract decreases to $19.4 million in the final year (2026-27), which would likely result in a lower matching salary cost for the Lakers. This season, Kuzma is set to earn $23.5 million, which is $19 million less than LaVine.
LeBron James May Influence Lakers’ Decision-Making Regarding Kuzma
With LeBron James approaching his 40th birthday on December 30, 2024, the Lakers recognize that time is running short to capitalize on his talent. Following his impressive performance at the Paris Olympics, where he contributed to Team USA’s Gold Medal victory, the Lakers are aware that he still has the ability to elevate the team’s performance.
This could motivate the Lakers to surround him with more talent. Christopher Kline from FanSided also suggested Kuzma as a potential target in a trade proposal that would bring him back to Los Angeles. Kline indicated that LeBron could exert pressure on the front office to make a deal, and the Washington Wizards, who are in a rebuilding phase, might be willing partners.
Kline expressed concern about the Lakers’ current roster strategy, mentioning that “JJ Redick was the most eye-catching but least qualified name in the head coaching market, which is why the Lakers pursued him.” He pointed out that relying on a rookie like Dalton Knecht to rejuvenate a veteran team could be a risky move, stressing that the Lakers need more than what Knecht can provide.
“At some point, LeBron is going to put enough pressure on the front office that a move is made,” Kline noted. “One obvious trade partner would be the Washington Wizards, a rebuilding team with plenty of veterans on reasonable contracts.”
Kuzma’s Perspective on His Trade from the Lakers
Kuzma was initially traded to the Los Angeles Lakers by the Brooklyn Nets during the 2017 NBA Draft. He spent his first four seasons with the Lakers, contributing to their championship victory in 2020. However, he was later traded to the Washington Wizards as part of the deal for Russell Westbrook.
Kuzma expressed surprise at the trade, feeling that the Lakers had “given up” on him. In a September interview with All-Star, he said, “For sure, 100 percent — it was tough because I think they kind of gave up on me. They also gave up on that team a bit too early — probably panicked a little. But in the NBA, things happen fast. You never know what’s going to happen next, and it’s always a revolving door. So, we had a tough little stretch, but it happens.”
Despite feeling that he and the team were not given a fair chance, Kuzma’s return to the Lakers could be possible through a trade this season.
