Kyle Kuzma was one of the most maligned players to ever wear a Los Angeles Lakers jersey. He was one of the guys that the team’s scouts found as a diamond in the rough. He joined the likes of Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, and Brandon Ingram to form the beloved “Baby Lakers”. When the Lakers acquired LeBron James and eventually Anthony Davis, he was the last man standing from the group. Transitioning from a rebuilding team to a contender really sent his role on the franchise in flux. However, he found ways to succeed in the diminished role, lending a hand in the team winning the 2020 championship.
Kuzma will always go down as an unforgettable part of the team for a few reasons. All fans will remember the outrageous outfits and fashion. There’s also the blonde hair he’d randomly sport on a nightly basis. Beyond the off the court things, Kuzma went from a high volume tweener to a versatile tool between stars. He worked hard to stick in a league where many players of the same ilk have failed to transition. It was not surprising that teams valued what he brought to the table. It’s a big reason he was almost moved in a deal for Sacramento Kings guard Buddy Hield. Instead, the Lakers pivoted from the move and he was included in a trade package for Russell Westbrook.
No hard feelings came from Kuzma being traded. He’s thriving as a starter with the Washington Wizards, which is something he’s always wanted. Kuzma spoke to the media after his first return to Los Angeles since the summer trade (h/t The Athletic’s Joshua Robbins):
1/3 Kyle Kuzma on Lakers' fans giving him a warm welcome tonight: "It means I've got a legacy here at the end of the day. This is the team that drafted me. I spent four years here. Laker Nation and being a Laker is forever in my heart. …
— Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) March 12, 2022
3/3 Kuzma (cont'd.): "… coming to L.A. and just making some noise. That's the American dream, honestly, for me. I loved it here and I'm glad to hear for the fans to be so receptive who love me."
— Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) March 12, 2022
Kuzma is missed on and off the floor for the team. As most players deserve, he’s having his time as the guy in the absence of Bradley Beal. He’s also flanked by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, another important former Lakers piece. Both guys got to enjoy a 50-piece courtesy of LeBron James, making the return bittersweet.
