The Los Angeles Lakers, once dominant in the NBA, are now facing a different reality since their last championship win under their star duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. It has been less than four years since the Lakers clinched their then-record-tying 17th NBA title, but now, the team looks completely different.
Gone are the days when role players like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Alex Caruso were contributing to the Lakers’ success. Despite leaving the team, both players have continued to excel in their careers. However, one player in particular, Kyle Kuzma, feels like the Lakers gave up on him too soon.
In 2021, the Lakers made a significant trade with the Washington Wizards, sending Kuzma to the Wizards in exchange for Russell Westbrook in a massive five-team deal. Fast forward three years later, Westbrook is no longer with the Lakers, while Kuzma has become a key player for the Wizards, leading the team in scoring last season with an average of 22.2 points per game.
While Kuzma’s role with the Lakers was smaller, his potential was always evident. Many, including Kuzma himself, question whether the Lakers made the right decision by trading him away so early.
Former Lakers champion Dwight Howard has also been vocal about his feelings towards Lakers’ general manager Rob Pelinka. Howard, who was part of the championship team, blamed Pelinka for not delivering another championship to Los Angeles.
Pelinka, on the other hand, has openly discussed breaking up the team’s core after their championship win. He acknowledged that the risky move has not panned out as expected.
Looking back at the Lakers’ recent seasons, it seems like Kuzma and Howard may have a point. The team could have potentially won another championship by now if certain decisions were different. Nonetheless, as long as James and Davis remain with the team, the Lakers will always be in contention for a title. The saga of Kyle Kuzma and the Lakers continues, as the team navigates through challenges and aims for another shot at championship glory.
