Former Lakers Champ Expected To Enter Free Agency, May Consider LA Return

Sometimes you don't appreciate what you have until it's gone. That was the case with forward Kyle Kuzma and your Los Angeles Lakers. While he was a member of the team, fans constantly wanted Kuzma gone. But once he was gone, people realized that the team missed him and his skillset.

Kuzma was traded to the Washington Wizards as part of LA's package for Russell Westbrook and since has seen his career blossom. He is scheduled to be a free agent this summer and there is talk about a possible return to the City of Angels for Kuzma, especially given that Wizards star Bradley Beal is now on the move to the Phoenix Suns.

Kyle Kuzma is expected to decline his $13.0M player option with the Wizards and become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

Potential suitors for Kuzma could include the Pacers, Rockets, Spurs, Kings, and Jazz. A reunion with the Lakers is also a looming possibility.
— Jake Weinbach (@JWeinbachNBA) June 18, 2023

Now, the Lakers likely wouldn't be able to give Kuzma the type of contract that he may be looking for but they could always look into a sign-and-trade if they really wanted to bring him back. The veteran forward has familiarity playing alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, winning the 2020 NBA title with them.

The Lakers could use Kuzma and his abilities. He is a good shooter that could help space the floor and he has grown exponentially in his defensive game as well. Last season for Washington, Kuzma averaged 21.2 points and 7.3 rebounds a game. It was his best season as a professional and now he is in line to get paid by some team.

His return to Washington seems unlikely, especially after they traded away star guard Bradley Beal recently. If Kuzma were to return to Los Angeles, it would be seen as a full circle moment. The fans and organization would welcome him back with open arms and be glad that he was here.

Kuzma could be a good start to a crucial offseason for the Lakers. While he likely won't return to LA, it's fun to speculate on it. Kuzma enjoyed being a Laker and would likely welcome the chance to return if the money was right.

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