Lake Show Life
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Los Angeles Lakers: Kyle Kuzma is now the franchise X-Factor

By Ronald Agers

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 03: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Staples Center on March 03, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 03: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Staples Center on March 03, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

With the inconsistencies surrounding Kyle Kuzma’s game, is it really worth giving him the long term extension?

Even though the NBA is starting again in Orlando inside the bubble, that doesn’t mean that the NBA is not feeling the extreme financial pinch from teams around the league.

Lake Show Life mentioned the potential problems weeks ago when Shaquille O’Neal floated rumors that a couple of owners were looking to sell their teams. We now know that Minnesota Timberwolves Governor, Glen Taylor is putting the team up for sale with Kevin Garnett putting together a group to try and but the team.

Are the Los Angeles Lakers up for sale anytime soon? PFFT! Please. The Buss family will never sell.

However, unlike other NBA franchises, the Los Angeles Lakers are a family-run company with controlling ownership held by the six children of the late Dr. Jerry Buss. Even though the team has billionaire minority owners in Philip Anschutz and Patrick Soon-Shiong, other NBA governors such as Dan Gilbert (Cleveland Cavaliers), Steve Ballmer (Los Angeles Clippers) or Micky Arison (Miami Heat) have deeper pockets.

When the Lakers applied for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan from the government at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it looked bad not only from the sports point of view but the entire nation when the economy fell off the cliff.

Even though they later returned the $4.6 million they were granted, it shows that Rob Pelinka will be on a tight budget.

Kuzma is slated to make $3.5 million in the 2020-21 season. Once the rookie deal expires, though, the Lakers will be forced to make a decision. While Kuzma’s $10.6 million cap hold is team-friendly, pairing LeBron James, Anthony Davis with another star is the goal in 2021. There are some nice players, to say the least. Potential star free agents are as follows.

  • Giannis Antetokounmpo
  • Kawhi Leonard 
  • Paul George

Kyle Kuzma would have to be cut to get LeBron, AD and one of those stars under the cap without paying the luxury tax. Then Pelinka has to fill out the roster.  The only option for Kuzma is if James takes a pay cut to stay in Los Angeles or leaves the Lakers altogether. Anybody see that happening? Didn’t think so.

With Kuzma not proving that he can be a star as a role player, he has to be more consistent during the Lakers’ playoff run and show that he fits on this Lakers team moving forward. Frank Vogel seems to think so.

"“Obviously he can get a lot better — he’s a young player, but he brings a lot to the table right now,” Vogel said. “And he’s in a difficult predicament, because a lot of his counterparts at his age that are on teams without established superstars are getting bigger roles, and he certainly is capable of that, but his role is going to be different on this team. And he’s had great acceptance of trying to find ways to contribute to winning basketball and has had a great attitude about it."

Speaking of Kuz’s counterparts, the players in his draft class are about to get major extensions. Some will get max deals.

  • Bam Adebayo: Miami Heat forward that is odds on favorite for NBA’s Most Improved Player. First-time All-Star. It’s reported that he’s in the same boat contract wise as Kyle Kuzma. The Miami Heat is interested in Giannis.  
  • De’Aaron Fox: Unless Fox wants to move on to a contender, he’s a lock for a max deal.
  • Donovan Mitchell: He’s the face of the franchise, he’s getting a max deal.
  • Jayson Tatum: He’s as cherished an asset to the Boston Celtics as Anthony Davis is to the Lakers. He’s getting a max deal.
  • Brandon Ingram: The Pelicans have already reportedly committed to BI’s extension.
  • Jaylen Brown already got his big payday. 

Jared Dudley discussed how Kuzma can prove his value as a role player to The Athletic (subscription needed).

"“I always tell Kuz about the money,” Dudley said. “Players want to get paid…. The question is, how can you fit in with these two players? You’re not always going to get 18 points a game. “They think you’re going to shoot the ball every time. And when your shot is not going, can you get to the free throw line? What can you bring to this team? And, once we win? I’ve seen Otto Porter get a max contract (averaging) 13 points a game. And he’s better than him. Kuz is more talented than Otto Porter. He’s more athletic, there’s more stuff he can do with it. But Otto Porter stars in his role.”"

Otto Porter? Stars in his role? The Washington Wizards regretted giving him that $106 million deal almost immediately. Then he was traded to the Chicago Bulls and hadn’t been heard from since.

Speaking of being traded. The trade speculations are starting to leak.

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