How do you solve a problem like Kyle Kuzma? It appears such is the dilemma that the Los Angeles Lakers will need to deal with amid the rumors that the power forward will soon exit from the Hollywood club. While Kuzma is reportedly on the trading block, it seemed that the Purple & Gold is still wrestling with the idea of losing him.
The thought of offering Kuzma to interested teams likely stemmed from the perception that while he is talented, his consistency is an issue for the Lakers. For a team that is actively chasing a title, predictability is key, and Kuzma seems unable to answer to such demand.
There is no question Kuzma is a star as far the Lakers are concerned, but the way he plays belie that on many occasions, according to Fadeaway World.
Case in point was the player's performance when Los Angeles faced off with Orlando this week. It was a heartbreaking one-point loss, and partly Kuzma was to blame for insufficient contribution. He only scored 4 points. Out of 10 attempts during his time on the floor, Kuz only connected two.
So it makes sense for the Lakers to shop him around given the urgency of finding a third reliable that will add to the tandem of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. For pundits, the value of Kuzma to his team is that he is a bargaining chip, which for the Lakers is to zero in on the player they want.
However, the signal that Los Angeles is sending out on Kuzma is said to be confusing, according to Clutch Points. At this stage, interested teams are unsure if indeed the Lakers are open for inquiry or the power forward is hands-off.
"There's conflicting information out there about him. I've talked to three or four different teams who told me 'Kyle Kuzma is available for trade. He can be had.' There have been reports elsewhere, and other people elsewhere have said that the Lakers have indicated they do not want to trade him," the report quoted Brian Windhorst as saying.
This claim seems to align with the recent revelation from Danny Green, Kuzma's teammate, that the Lakers want Kuzma to stay and that talks of the player about to be traded are just rumors.
"From what I know, no one's really spoke to him about it. I don't think it's a thing anybody speaks on in the locker room when there's rumors because it's just rumors ... We want you here," SilverScreenAndRoll.com reported Green as saying.
For now, though, Kuzma is a third option for the Lakers with decent contributions overall, but when he goes, it is certain that several teams will race to land him, especially those in the process of rebuilding and acquiring young players is a priority.
