Could The Lakers' Desired Player Be On The Washington Wizards?

Are The Lakers Eying Someone On The Wizards?

Just a couple days ago, news broke out that the LA Lakers are monitoring a player that may be in a bad situation and possibly be available in a trade. There is no doubt the LA Lakers need to make a move. They are a team in turmoil and we haven’t even had a full month of basketball yet. They already have the league’s worst records as they are currently tied for the least amount of wins this season sitting at 2-9 in the Western Conference.

Kevin Durant breaking down the defense - USA Today

Initially, the first player that comes to mind is Kevin Durant. Drama is filled within that Brooklyn Nets team, but since the Nets fired HC Steve Nash, they have been winning and playing some good basketball.

Jimmy Butler being Jimmy Buckets - USA Today

Maybe it’s Jimmy Butler? Jimmy put on a show in the NBA Bubble Finals the year the Lakers won it all. He’s a competitor and he will give you 110% every night. You have to wonder does he truly fit playing next to Lebron too. He also is hurt all the time as well. So it can’t be Jimmy Buckets. 

Bradley Beal with the smooth jumper - USA Today

Bradley Beal has been in the rumor mill for LA for quite some time now. However, it will be difficult to trade him with his no trade clause along with his $250M contract he recently signed. What if the player the Lakers are monitoring is a player still repping the District? What if the player that is on the Lakers radar is former Laker Kyle Kuzma? Let’s look at the dynamics here. The Lakers may be able to save a lot of depth trading for Kuzma and maybe even some draft capital too. 

Kuz was ready for his moment tonight 😅 pic.twitter.com/0cT3l5LMkJ

— NBA (@NBA) November 11, 2022

Kuzma scored a season high 36 points Thursday night. It wasn’t just scoring that was in his bag. He rebounded the ball well, he shot the three well (something the Lakers desperately need), and he was able to facilitate too. With his size and length, he poses some threats as a competent defender as well. 

Kyle Kuzma is catching fire in Q4, check out this stepback triple for 31 ♨

MAVS - WIZARDS Q4 Live Now on the NBA App
📲 https://t.co/1pomQZN8Pi pic.twitter.com/ceieRqrMbb

— NBA (@NBA) November 11, 2022

While Kyle Kuzma is still young, getting a draft pick you know is going to be good could work out in the Wizards favor. The Lakers are in win now mode. On the other hand, Washington is in a bit of a difficult position as they are fighting to stay at .500. However, it is clear that the Wizards look to Kuz as a key contributor and leader on this team. It may be highly unlikely that the team would be willing to deal Kuz any time soon. 

Asked Kyle Kuzma about the Mavericks win without Porzingis and Beal. He mentioned the team’s struggles and lineup changes but said “this was one of our best games of the year when it came to attention to detail and execution.” @dbltakesports #DCAboveAll #WizMavs pic.twitter.com/nN9Bhubl6P

— Carita Parks (@CaritaCParks) November 11, 2022

Kuzma would fix a lot of the problems the Lakers have. He can score with the best of them. His ability to create for his teammates has improved as well. Playing next to Lebron, you don’t always get a chance to be the facilitator or even work off the dribble. This is a situation to monitor for us all as Kyle Kuzma could be the player the LA Lakers are coveting.