1. Kyle Kuzma
The Los Angeles Lakers had high hopes for Kyle Kuzma coming into the season. He was the one young player they wanted to hold onto during trade negotiations with the New Orleans Pelicans. They envisioned him as their third star along with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. However, things haven’t played out that way, and it isn’t all Kuzma’s fault.
He has battled numerous injuries, one that occurred with Team USA before the season that set him back. An ankle injury and poke in the eye also set him back. Right as he was looking to find his role, the league was suspended.
Things haven’t gone as planned for Kuzma this season, but he has shown flashes. However, those flashes might not be enough for a team that is contending as they cannot waste whatever LeBron James has left.
Kuzma has seen his 3-point shooting percentage drop again for the second consecutive season. His defense, while improving, still needs some work. Kuzma is arguably the team’s best trade chip, and they tried hard to find a deal before the February deadline centered around Kuzma.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if they looked to move him again during the offseason. Kuzma will be entering the final season of his rookie deal, which means the Lakers would have to commit to extending him in 2021. If they don’t believe he is worth an extension, looking to move him before the 2020-21 season begins makes sense.