The Los Angeles Lakers traded Kyle Kuzma in the Russell Westbrook deal, and the Bucks are finally realizing why the purple and gold gave up on the 6’8 forward. Kuz puts up numbers, but fails to impact winning. Just like the Lakers were years ago, the Bucks are better with him on the bench and never quite know what to expect.
Milwaukee has been outscored by 149 points in his 1,012 minutes this season. They get outscored by seven points per 100 possessions with Kuzma and are 7.6 points per 100 better when he goes to the bench. He is struggling to make 3-pointers as the Bucks are fighting to make the playoffs and keep Giannis Antetokounmpo happy. Kuz’s issues may open the door Lakers fans have dreamed about.
The Bucks traded for Kuzma, knowing they were all-in on contending. They pegged him as a role player next to Giannis. It was a bet on the 30-year-old changing some habits to help Milwaukee win. Sadly, that hasn’t happened, and it has the Bucks looking to do what the Lakers did five years ago.
Bucks are realizing that Kyle Kuzma struggles to impact winning
LeBron James wanted Russell Westbrook in 2021, and it cost the Lakers Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. They played key roles on the 2020 championship squad inside the bubble, but LA knew Kuzma was inconsistent and problematic in the playoffs. There were no qualms about moving on, but those concerns didn’t stop the Bucks.
Milwaukee has been all-in on building around Giannis for years. It started with the Jrue Holiday trade in 2020, and the Bucks have gotten more desperate with each transaction. They saw a shot to get off Khris Middleton’s contract and did not blink at adding Kuzma. Now, Milwaukee is trying to dump him. The desperation has multiplied so many times that the Bucks are willing to make any splash to see if the pieces fit.
The Lakers had a need for a forward before acquiring Rui Hachimura, but there was no talk of bringing back Kuzma. They knew the story. Even during their championship season, the Lakers were better with the 6’8 forward on the bench.
Things haven't been all sunshine and rainbows with Hachimura, but there are no regrets about trading away Kuzma. He averaged over 21 points per game in back-to-back years in Washington, but the Wizards were near the bottom of the standings. Even last season in Milwaukee, his playing time decreased as their first-round playoff series went on. Milwaukee was knocked out as Kuz shot 34.3 percent from the field.
The idea of Kuzma as a rangy and athletic 6’8 wing is ideal, but he doesn’t consistently hit shots and is a below-average defender. Just like during the Lakers' championship season, Kuzma is producing a negative value over replacement player (VORP). The counting stats may look strong, but the impact on winning doesn’t exist.
The Bucks are quickly finding out what the Los Angeles Lakers know. Milwaukee will struggle to move on as Kyle Kuzma is under contract for $20.3 million next season. The Lakers had to dump Kuzma in a larger deal, and the Bucks must follow suit. It is the only way he is leaving Milwaukee before the Feb. 5 trade deadline. Lakers fans are just happy he won’t be returning to LA.