Former Lakers Champion Is Seeking Near-Max Contract in Free Agency
Kyle Kuzma enters the 2023 free-agent market as one of the top targets, but a recent revelation from Matt Moore, NBA writer for Action Network, might cause some teams some pause when considering signing the 27-year-old forward.
The 2020 NBA Champion is seeking $30 million per season, a salary that would put him among the highest-earning players in the league.
In the 2022-23 season, Kuzma averaged 21.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists pergame. On a team with Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis, Kuzma was perhaps the number three scoring option on one of the worst teams in the league.
A strong rebounder, solid defender and decent three-point shooter, Kuzma has quietly elevated his status as a player that any team would be lucky to have, at the right price.
With a strong list of free agents hitting the market, Kuzma might find it difficult to reach a deal in which he would earn $30 million per year, but he could likely get close. At only 27-years-old, the former 27th overall pick has some potential to be a strong longterm option at forward.
In the 2019-20 season, Kuzma averaged 12.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists with a Lakers team that would go on to win the NBA Finals. Kuzma spent one more season with the Lakers before becoming a casualty of the now-infamous Russell Westbrook trade.
The Lakers are likely not in contention to sign Kuzma, as their team needs involve finding a suitable point guard. However, there should be plenty of suitors for Kuzma during a free agency that has the potential to be one of the most tumultuous in recent memory.
