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While several players were critiqued following the LA Lakers' early elimination from the 2021 NBA Playoffs, no one had to face the same level of scrutiny as Kyle Kuzma. Most of it was deserved too, as Kuzma managed barely 6.3 points and 3.8 rebounds per game during the postseason while shooting 29.2% from the field.
The situation was a bit different in the regular season, where Kyle Kuzma emerged as a good rebounder and serviceable rim protector. His scoring stagnated, but his three-point accuracy rose from 31.6% last year to 36.1% this season. He finished with an average of 12.9 points and 6.1 rebounds per game.
These numbers are much lower than Kyle Kuzma's first two seasons in the NBA, where he facilitated more as a pure scorer. His progress has stalled since the arrival of Anthony Davis.
3 trade destinations for Kyle Kuzma
The LA Lakers have been unable to bring the best out of Kyle Kuzma, but there are a few teams who can. Kuzma's three-year $39 million deal also comes into play from the 2021-22 season, making him the perfect trade chip for the Purple and Gold.
On that note, let's look at three teams that should pursue Kyle Kuzma in the 2021 NBA offseason.
#3 Orlando Magic
The rebuilding Orlando Magic could be the perfect place for Kyle Kuzma to reignite his career. The Magic blew their roster apart at the NBA trade deadline and finished the 2020-21 season with the second-worst offensive rating in the league. They clearly need some offensive firepower and Kuzma could provide that.
The Magic have a dearth of frontcourt options. Chuma Okeke has shown some potential and Jonathan Isaac is set to play a key role following his return from injury, but the franchise lacks players who can play on the wings. Kyle Kuzma comes in handy in this regard as well.
More importantly, the Orlando Magic can offer the LA Lakers a compelling deal for Kyle Kuzma, whose value has dipped a bit. The Magic still have veteran Terrence Ross on their books, who could act as an impact scorer off the bench for the 2020 champs.
Ross averaged a career-high 15.6 points per game last season and has nine years of NBA experience under his belt. He's owed $13.5 million in the upcoming season and his contracts runs until 2023, so the LA Lakers won't have trouble matching salaries either. They could even get a draft pick in return.
#2 Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers have tried moving Myles Turner in recent times, and with the LA Lakers reportedly interested, both teams could strike a deal centered around Kyle Kuzma.
The Pacers run most of their offense in the post through Domantas Sabonis. Playing Sabonis with Turner hurts their spacing and allows opposition defenses to collapse in the paint.
The Pacers need another wing scorer so they can move Sabonis to the five and Kyle Kuzma could be that guy. The LA Lakers also need a reliable center, and Turner finished the 2020-21 season as the blocks leader.
Considering that the Lakers will be taking on Turner's $17.5 million annual salary (plus $2.5 million in incentives), which is much higher than the $13 million owed to Kyle Kuzma in 2021-22, the Pacers may have to attach a pick to get the deal done.
#1 Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings may have their backcourt sorted with De'Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton, but it's an entirely different situation in the frontcourt. Richaun Holmes could leave in free agency, while Marvin Bagley's health is a huge concern. Harrison Barnes is the only reliable forward they have right now.
If either Holmes or Bagley move to a new franchise in the summer, the Kings will need a wing scorer and Kyle Kuzma fits the bill. His defensive ability will come in handy for the Kings, who had the worst defensive rating in the NBA this season.
The Sacramento Kings can sort out another roster situation with their trade package for Kyle Kuzma. Buddy Hield has been unsettled for some time now and his bona fide shooting ability makes him a perfect addition for the LA Lakers.
Meanwhile, the Kings can enjoy some cap relief and even ask for the Lakers' 2021 first-round pick. This would allow them to land a potential sleeper in a loaded draft class.
The most underrated aspect of this move is the fact that Kyle Kuzma will be reunited with head coach Luke Walton, under whom the former enjoyed his early successes in the league.
