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NBA insider says Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma ‘looks like he’s on his way out’

Published by

Brad Sullivan

June 18, 2021 3:24 pm

In the opinion of NBA insider Marc J. Spears, it appears likely that Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma will be dealt during the offseason.

The 25-year-old Kuzma has played all four of his NBA seasons with the Lakers, but will start making much more money than the Lakers were paying him for the 2020-21 season and has been rumored to be a trade option.

Last December, Kuzma signed a contract extension that’s set to pay him $13 million for each of the next three seasons, with the 2023-24 season being a player option.

While Kuzma plays up front, the Lakers are trying to bolster their backcourt as they adjust their roster for next season. Rumors about a possible acquisition of Kemba Walker may still be a consideration despite his trade to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Paying for Walker’s massive contract over the next two seasons will require some payroll adjustments since Walker is set to earn $36 million next season and has a player option for $37.7 million for the 2022-23 campaign.

Brad Sullivan

Brad is a freelance writer for LakersDaily.com, who can clearly recall watching Lakers games in 1972 as they captured the first of their 11 Los Angeles-based titles. The franchise's evolution into a beloved and iconic franchise among its fan base since that memorable year allows for a wider perspective to be a part of his writing about the team's current fortunes.