Teams around the league are doing their due diligence on Kyle Kuzma, but the Los Angeles Lakers value him as a core part of their future.
Teams are reportedly viewing whether they can pluck the talented 24-year-old as part of their future from the championship-contending Lakers, according to league sources.
The Lakers don’t plan to trade Kuzma and if the team makes any trades before the deadline, it likely won’t be a major one, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Kuzma led the Lakers in minutes last year, as LeBron James battled a groin injury, averaging 18.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
This season however, he has only started one of 25 games and his averages have dropped to 12.2 points and 3.6 rebounds per game.
Kuzma has also been limited by ankle problems, but seems to be on the mend going forward.
Kuzma is the clear third option (and an important option), behind James and Anthony Davis.
For now, it sounds like the focus will remain on how Kuzma can help the Lakers reach their championship potential.
