The Los Angeles Lakers traded Kyle Kuzma in 2021, and the 6’9 forward has struggled to impact winning ever since. He spent three years putting up numbers on the rebuilding Wizards before a disastrous 2024-25 season. The 6’9 forward had a negative-1.4 value over replacement player (VORP), and struggled mightily after being traded to the Bucks. There was a clear decline, and it is only getting worse.
Milwaukee needs Kuzma to shine. If he doesn’t, Giannis Antetokounmpo may request a trade, and the Lakers would love nothing more. Luka Doncic gives them a serious shot at landing the Greek Freak, despite LA not being his top destination. Kuz’s nightmare preseason included being benched by Doc Rivers and shooting just 32.3 percent from the field. The Bucks need him to get buckets and hold his own defensively. There are questions about whether he can do either.
The Lakers traded Kuzma before his age-26 season. Many believed he was just entering his prime, but Los Angeles keeps being proven right. The 6’9 forward helped them win a championship in 2020, but hasn’t been able to replicate that impact since.
Lakers moved on from Kyle Kuzma at exactly the right time
Kuz wanted a larger offensive role and found it in the nation’s capital. He wanted to stay in Washington so bad that the forward declined a trade to the Mavericks (subscription required) before the 2024 deadline. Kuzma didn’t have a no-trade clause and looked foolish after the Mavs reached the NBA Finals with midseason acquisitions PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford playing crucial roles.
Kuzma already being benched doesn’t bode well for a crucial season. He is under contract until the 2027 offseason. The Bucks explored trades over the summer, but couldn’t find a workable deal. They would love to dump his contract for a more productive player. It is just impossible.
The Lakers traded Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in a massive five-team deal that landed Russell Westbrook in purple and gold. Fans know how disastrous the future Hall of Fame's tenure with LA was, but it got the franchise off paying Kuzma. The forward wanted a larger offensive workload that was never coming on the Lakers. They were right to move and have zero regrets four-plus years later.
The Lakers hoped Kuzma would become a 3-and-D forward. He has the size and athletic ability, but has never quite locked in either piece. Kuzma is a career 33.4 percent 3-point shooter and has never been known for his defense. Embracing this role would likely make him a starter for the Bucks. It would allow him to help a contender, but it may never happen.
The Los Angeles Lakers dumped Kyle Kuzma at exactly the right moment. They never had to pay him like a starter and lucked out in failing to force him into a needed role. No matter his age, Kuzma wasn’t a fit next to LeBron James, so the franchise wisely moved on. The decision has only been confirmed over the years.