The Los Angeles Lakers were hoping that Jonathan Kuminga would join them to shore up their depth at the forward spot, but they struck out. With Kuminga heading to Minnesota, the Lakers need to turn elsewhere for another playable forward. Quietly, the Milwaukee Bucks make sense as a trade partner if Kyle Kuzma is on the table and if the Lakers are willing to make it worth their while.
A Kuzma to Lakers reunion could make sense for everyone
Despite his negative perception, Kuzma has actually been solid for the most part throughout his time with the Milwaukee Bucks. Sure, he's had some missteps, but Kuzma is still a versatile forward who is a decent chess piece on defense while also still having an offensive explosion every so often. He'd be far from the worst addition for a team that feels like it might be a forward away.
Then there is the angle of familiarity. Lakers figurehead Rob Pelinka drafted Kuzma and watched him help the team win a title during his four-year stint with the club. He knows what the forward brings to the table, and perhaps that makes him all the more enticing, especially knowing that there wouldn't be much time for him to build chemistry with his new teammates before camp.
It makes all the sense in the world for Los Angeles. Milwaukee, on the other hand, may have demands.
Bucks would need assets to give up Kyle Kuzma
Despite being in trade rumors over the last year, the Milwaukee Bucks should not simply look to dump Kyle Kuzma, especially to the Lakers. In all likelihood, Los Angeles would offer a deal centered around Jarred Vanderbilt and Dalton Knecht. They would save a little money in the short-term, but the issue is that both have another year on their deals, while Kuzma is an expiring.
Unless the Milwaukee Bucks truly think Knecht could be a good player if he's given an opportunity to spread his wings, taking on Vanderbilt's unwanted salary could be a tough sell. Now, if the Lakers add some draft capital, likely second-rounders, to those two, perhaps it could get the wheels turning on a deal between the two sides. That is, of course, just pure speculation.
The Bucks should absolutely dangle Kuzma on the trade market. He would make sense as a forward addition to any team that feels like it needs one to make a run this season. Yet, Milwaukee should be firm in demanding a quality haul in return. If the Lakers specifically come to the table with a real offer, a deal could be beneficial for everyone involved.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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