Kyle Kuzma Writes an Emotional Post To Bid Goodbye to Lakers After Westbrook Trade

Who expected that the NBA draft night would bring in big news for the Lakers fans? In a blockbuster trade, LA got in Russell Westbrook. They gave Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell and their 22nd pick to the Washington Wizards to make the deal happen.

The Lakers have added yet another icon of the game in ‘Brodie’. However, they had to give up a lot of talent in the process. Notably, they trade Kyle Kuzma, who has been with the Lakers since being drafted.

Jun 3, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3), forward LeBron James (23) and coach Frank Vogel react in the second half during game six in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Following the trade, Kuzma penned down his thoughts and left a final message to the city of Los Angeles.

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Kuzma bids farewell to the Lakers

In an Instagram post, Kyle Kuzma wrote down his complete journey with the purple and gold. He addressed how at the young age of 21, the Lakers took him in and helped him grow.

Kyle Kuzma says goodbye to the Lakers pic.twitter.com/rgSEmLMad7

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 30, 2021

In addition, he stated how he told the Lakers that his dream was to be part of bringing a championship. He did so in 2020 when the Lakers won in Orlando.

Moreover, he talked about how he got the opportunity to learn from great players. Players like LeBron James and Kobe Bryant could be the players he is referencing. He says that he would not change a thing about his journey because everything has been a lesson.

Apr 6, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma (0) drives to the basket as Toronto Raptors guard DeAndre’ Bembry (95) steals the ball during the first quarter at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Despite a disappointing show in the playoffs, averaging just 6 points and all the slander, Kuzma remains a Laker for life. He will now start a new chapter in his career with the Washington Wizards and do his best to keep growing as a player.

Can Kuzma shine in Washington?

Even though he had a poor post-season, Kuzma has great potential. He has shown on many occasions that he is a reliable scorer. He has averaged 12 points since the arrival of AD in LA.

Jan 1, 2021; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma (0) drives against San Antonio Spurs guard Lonnie Walker IV (1) in the second half at the AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports

However, before Anthony Davis, Kuzma put up 19 points per game in his sophomore year. He was the Lakers’ key scorer after LeBron James went down with an injury that season. In their championship run, he averaged 10 points on 43% shooting.

With Washington, Kuzma will have a drastic increase in minutes which will allow him to shine. Kuz can now be a more dominant scorer, and make a significant impact to the game. In a way, this trade is beneficial for his development in the NBA.

Do you think Kuz will improve with the Wizards? Let us know in the comments.

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