Lake Show Life
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Los Angeles Lakers who have played their way off next year’s roster

By Jason Reed

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 04: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a three point basket during the first half against the Miami Heat in Game Three of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on October 04, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 04: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a three point basket during the first half against the Miami Heat in Game Three of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on October 04, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

3. Kyle Kuzma

Kyle Kuzma has not been nearly consistent-enough in the NBA Playoffs. While he has had his moments and while his defense has gotten better with more effort, he still has not blossomed into that player that the Lakers hoped he would be.

In a different situation with a bit more time on the court, perhaps Kuzma could develop into that fantastic third scoring option. In the Lakers’ current system he is not reaching his potential and the team might as well get something out of him while they can.

There is also this misconception that the Lakers would be trading the future if they traded Kuzma. That is not the case. Kuzma is a restricted free agent after the 2020-21 season, meaning any team can offer him a contract that the Lakers would have to match.

It could end up being the Julius Randle situation 2.0. The Lakers did not trade Randle, the New Orleans Pelicans offered him a contract that the Lakers did not match and he left for nothing.

Kuzma does have value, especially for a team that would be interested in keeping him in the fold as a restricted free agent after next season. Thus, a package of he and Danny Green is absolutely on the table in the offseason.

Plus, to make Kuzma even more expendable, I really like Markieff Morris on this team and think he can pretty much take Kuzma’s role next season and do it more efficiently. He is a better three-point shooter, has shown that he can hit big shots in the NBA Playoffs and is a much better defender.

Next. 4 lessons from Game 4 win over Heat. dark

Of course, if there are no trades worth it then the Los Angeles Lakers should not and will not trade Kyle Kuzma just to trade him. However, don’t be shocked if he is moved this offseason.

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