4 Former Lakers the team could sign in free agency

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 18: Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards and LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers line up during the second half at Crypto.com Arena on December 18, 2022 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 18: Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards and LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers line up during the second half at Crypto.com Arena on December 18, 2022 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
4 of 4
Kyle Kuzma Lakers
(Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) – Kyle Kuzma Lakers

4. Kyle Kuzma

This is the least likely of the bunch, hence why Kyle Kuzma checks in at no. 4. But to say that it is impossible for Kuzma to come back to Los Angeles would be silly. After all, Kuzma has reminded Lakers fans that he is still a Laker at heart multiple times since being traded to the Washington Wizards.

Kuzma is coming off arguably the best season of his career and is going to get a decent contract this offseason as a result. While he did taper off a bit toward the end and was still a bit inefficient, there is no denying that he has a scoring prowess that would fit nicely on this team.

Bringing back Kuzma would follow a very similar thought process as potentially bringing back Clarkson. As currently constructed, it may not make much sense for Kuzma to return to Los Angeles and be part of the rotation.

But it the team has to replace Russell and Hachimura then it could look to do so with Kuzma. Los Angeles has the room to sign Kuzma to the kind of contract that he wants as he will likely get something in the ballpark of a four-year, $85 million contract.

A lot of Lakers fans would welcome this move back as it would strengthen the rotation and bring back a fan favorite.