Los Angeles Lakers: 3 trade destinations that could maximize Kyle Kuzma

By Jason Reed | Jul 14, 2021

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 02: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after making a basket against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center on April 02, 2021 in Sacramento, 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

3 of 4

(Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. Oklahoma City Thunder

The teams that are going to get the most out of Kyle Kuzma are the teams where he can play a bigger role and the Oklahoma City Thunder are the perfect example of that. The Thunder are in full rebuild mode with all of the draft capital that the team has.

Kuzma would not be the best player on the Thunder, that would still be Shai Gilgeous-Alexander but there is still not much talent on the team and plenty of chances for Kuzma to get the high-profile role that he is looking for.

Oklahoma City has also been one of the best teams in the league when it comes to maximizing players. Dennis Schroder played the best basketball of his career in OKC while Al Horford rediscovered his worth with a bigger role in OKC.

There is also a trade that can get Kuzma to the Thunder as well. Kemba Walker is a legitimate trade target for the Lakers and while he might not be the team’s no. 1 option he can be a third star to bring to the team.

I can already see it playing out. Kuzma goes to Oklahoma City, averages 20 points per game in 2021-22 and then some contending team pays a first-rounder and more assets for him next offseason. The Thunder are masters at this kind of asset management.

Home/Lakers Rumors