As the Los Angeles Lakers gear up for their first regular-season game on October 22, speculation looms large over their lack of offseason moves. If the Lakers enter the season without any trades or signings, they’ll be banking on their existing roster and evaluating potential gaps once the season kicks off. With two first-round picks and other assets still in hand, there’s a growing belief that the Lakers may wait and see before exploring trade options to strengthen their squad.
Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report highlighted Kyle Kuzma as a prime trade target who could address the Lakers’ shortcomings. In his October 7 analysis, Hughes explained why Kuzma, currently with the Washington Wizards, could be an ideal and cost-effective fit for Los Angeles.
“Kuzma would come cheaper than either LaVine or Porter Jr. and, in the distant past, showed more defensive oomph than either of them,” Hughes wrote. “His declining contract slips all the way to $19.4 million in the final year, 2026-27, and the cost in outgoing personnel (aka matching salary) would likely be lower for the Lakers. Kuzma is set to earn $23.5 million this coming season, $19 million less than LaVine.”
The urgency for the Lakers to make a move is magnified by LeBron James’ advancing age. James turns 40 in December 2024, and the Lakers understand that their window with the NBA legend is closing. Following a stellar performance for Team USA in the Paris Olympics, where James led his team to a gold medal, it’s clear that the superstar still has plenty left in the tank. The Lakers know they need to maximize what remains of his prime by surrounding him with the right talent.
Christopher Kline of FanSided echoed Hughes’ sentiments, suggesting that the Lakers might pursue Kuzma as a way to bolster their roster mid-season. He also hinted that LeBron could exert pressure on the front office to make a move, and the Wizards—currently in a rebuilding phase—could be open to a deal.
“At some point, LeBron is going to put enough pressure on the front office that a move is made,” Kline wrote on October 8. “One obvious trade partner would be the Washington Wizards, a rebuilding team with a ton of movable vets on affordable contracts.”
Kuzma’s history with the Lakers adds another layer of intrigue. Drafted by the Brooklyn Nets and immediately traded to Los Angeles in 2017, Kuzma was a key piece of the Lakers’ 2020 championship team. However, the Lakers traded him to the Wizards as part of the blockbuster deal for Russell Westbrook—a move Kuzma later said felt like the team had “given up” on him.
In a candid interview, Kuzma expressed his disappointment, saying, “For sure, 100 percent — I think — it was tough because I think they kind of gave up on me… And they gave up on that team, too, a little too early — probably panicked a little bit. But in the NBA, things happen fast. You never know what’s gonna happen next, and it’s always a revolving door.”
Given the Lakers’ current situation, bringing Kuzma back could be the redemption story both sides need. With his familiarity with the organization and a track record of success alongside LeBron James, Kuzma could provide the boost the Lakers need as they aim for another deep playoff run.
As the clock ticks on the LeBron era in Los Angeles, the front office must weigh whether a reunion with Kuzma could be the move that saves their season and revitalizes their championship hopes.
