The Los Angeles Lakers will look to make some changes this offseason and one expected change is trading Kyle Kuzma. If they can’t get a good deal, they won’t make a move, but there are quite a few teams around the NBA who could have interest in acquiring Kuzma. Both the Oklahoma City Thunder and Sacramento Kings are among those teams who could make a move to acquire the Lakers’ young forward.
One source spoke to NBA Analysis Network about Kuzma’s expected market and both the Thunder and Kings were mentioned as teams to watch.
“(Kyle) Kuzma’s value is not extremely high right now, but both the Kings and Thunder have interest in him. That isn’t to say they’ll make an aggressive offer, but they’re definitely teams to watch in this situation. It isn’t likely that the Lakers’ asking price will be sky high, and it seems like a deal could be had for any team that believes in Kuzma’s potential and talent.”
During the 2020-21 NBA season with the Lakers, Kuzma ended up averaging 12.9 points per game to go along with 6.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists. He shot 44.3 percent from the floor overall and knocked down 36.1 percent of his three-point attempts. Those numbers were improvements over what he produced in 2019-20, but his consistency has still be an issue for the Lakers.
For the Thunder, making a move to acquire Kuzma would make a lot of sense. They are a young team that is trying to build around their young talent. Adding Kuzma in as a potential starting power forward would be a very solid move and if the move didn’t pan out, they wouldn’t be in a bad situation at all.
On the other hand, the Kings would have to pull off a trade with their Pacific Division rivals to get Kuzma. They have a young roster and could potentially look to offer a package centered around Buddy Hield for the young forward. Luke Walton has worked with Kuzma in the past and the fit seems like a solid one.
In addition to the Thunder and Kings, there are plenty of other teams who could be a potential fit for Kuzma. He has potential to be a very good player, but needs the right situation and a bigger role.
Expect to continue hearing rumors surrounding the Lakers and Kyle Kuzma. It seems likely right now that he could be traded this offseason. The Kings and Thunder are two teams to watch, but keep a close eye on this situation.
