The Los Angeles Lakers have been working diligently behind the scenes to retool their roster for another championship run. Reportedly, the blueprint on making this happen is moving on from Kyle Kuzma, who had a very disappointing end to the season. This week, the Lakers reportedly reached out to the Indiana Pacers with an offer package containing Kuzma.
According to reports from Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype, the Lakers “discussed” Kyle Kuzma and the No. 22 pick with the Indiana Pacers for the No. 13 pick and salary filler but were “turned down.”
Kuzma and the Lakers’ 22nd pick was also discussed with the Pacers. The talks centered around acquiring the 13th overall pick from Indiana and needed salary filler but was turned down, HoopsHype has learned.
J. Michael of the Indy Star confirmed the report due to the fact that TJ Warren was getting healthy and will be ready for next season.
This is accurate. TJ Warren is healthy so they declined Kuz. Lakers have been hustling to jump into the lottery to get ahead of the Wizards https://t.co/ozto9dFRAZ
— J. Michael (@ThisIsJMichael) July 27, 2021
It is unknown who the Pacers player would have been for a salary filler, however. Some believed it could have been Warren because the salaries matched, but that could be unlikely due to his performance in the NBA bubble in Orlando. Others believed it could be Jeremy Lamb, who Indiana is shopping around the NBA.
Kuzma averaged 12.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists a game for the Los Angeles Lakers this past season.
