BBC NEWS: the Los Angeles Lakers and Kyle Kuzma officially announced their successful reunion after a blockbuster trade.

All season long, the Los Angeles Lakers have been searching the market for the best players to bolster their roster. With several young players on mid-range tradeable contracts and an available future pick, the Lakers are well-positioned to make a trade. However, they will be selective in who they target because their upcoming trade might be the final significant one made during LeBron James’s tenure.

Although the Lakers have lost a lot of talented players who went on to have successful careers in the NBA, Kyle Kuzma’s departure has to rank as the biggest. Kuzma was traded to the Washington Wizards for cash after being held responsible for the unsuccessful 2020–21 season despite being a key player in the 2020 Lakers championship victory.

Kuzma’s suitability for LeBron James and Anthony Davis is a known factor, so the Lakers must bring back a player who they believe would work well with the Wizards.

The Lakers acquired Westbrook without having to give up a first to Washington, but if they want to reclaim Kuzma’s hustle and two-way play, they will need to give up one.