Report: Los Angeles Lakers Trade Former Ute Kyle Kuzma To Washington Wizards
Jul 29, 2021, 6:19 PM
(Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Los Angeles Lakers traded former University of Utah forward Kyle Kuzma to the Washington Wizards, according to multiple reports.
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The reported deal arrived only hours before the start of the 2021 NBA Draft on Thursday, July 29.
Along with Kuzma, the Lakers will reportedly send Montrezl Harrell, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and the No. 22 pick in this year’s NBA Draft to the Wizards in exchange for Russell Westbrook and a pair of second-round picks.
The Washington Wizards have agreed to trade Russell Westbrook, 2024 second-round pick, 2028 second-round pick to the Los Angeles Lakers for Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell and No. 22 tonight, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 30, 2021
ESPN’s Bobby Marks reported that the deal won’t be officially completed until the first week in August.
This trade cannot be completed until the poison pill restriction on the Kyle Kuzma is lifted.
If agreed upon, this deal will be consummated on Aug. 6. https://t.co/fNVl8qPlsz
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) July 29, 2021
The former Utah standout has been involved in trade rumors throughout the offseason and in the week leading up to the NBA Draft.
The Lakers and Wizards have agreed on the trade for Russell Westbrook, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 30, 2021
About Kyle Kuzma
Kuzma has had an up and down career in Los Angeles after being drafted with the 27th pick of the 2017 NBA draft and has been regularly involved in trade rumors.
The former Ute led the Lakers to the Las Vegas Summer League title before being named to the 2017-18 All-Rookie Team. However, the forward has struggled with inconsistent play and has seen a dip in his scoring averages over the last two years after a promising start to his career.
💦 @kylekuzma drops 25 points and 5 threes in the @Lakers win! #WholeNewGame pic.twitter.com/mqquqrVMsT
— NBA (@NBA) July 25, 2020
Kuzma signed a three-year, $40 million contract extension with the Lakers last summer which is set to begin this season. But, after being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs while defending their 2020 NBA championship, the Lakers are in need of a talent upgrade to support LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Kuzma averaged 16.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists during his third and final season with the Utes.
