Lakers’ LeBron James Throws Kyle Kuzma a Going Away Party After Westbrook Trade

Published 08/02/2021, 5:37 PM EDT

The Los Angeles Lakers are the flavor of the month yet again, as the offseason rolls in. But then again, everyone’s watching when you have LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

While L.A. didn’t give up much considering they got Russell Westbrook in return, the franchise is parting ways with its oldest tenured Lakers! In a deal that went down on draft night, Rob Pelinka pulled off a blinder, sending Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell, Kyle Kuzma, and the 22nd overall for Mr. Triple Double, Russell Westbrook!

New Lakers’ Core of LeBron James, Anthony Davis & Russell Westbrook Emulate Infamous 2004 Lakers Trio in This Incredible Feat

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Classic LeBron James

The King, fondly known as LeGM by his fans for his ability to recruit superstar-level talent, has done it again. And while there’s no friction over the trade just yet, James and Jared Dudley gave Kuz a worthy farewell.

LeBron & Dudz threw Kyle Kuzma a going away party. pic.twitter.com/w2DVO086rP
— 🏀 (@dribblecity) August 1, 2021

While there’s no doubt Kuz was an integral part of the Lakers rebuild in the last few years, the fit just wasn’t right! While maybe Kuzma grows into a bigger role over the next year in Washington as Beal’s number 2, extending his tenure in L.A. was futile for both parties.

In his last words for the fans in Hollywood, the young star took to IG as he bid an emotional, heartfelt adieu to Staples Center.

Kyle Kuzma says goodbye to the Lakers pic.twitter.com/rgSEmLMad7
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 30, 2021

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The “has been” of L.A.

The majority of the Laker faithful were calling for shipping Kyle Kuzma based on his inconsistency in this postseason. While Kuz was impressive in 2018-19, carrying the remnants of an injured Lakers roster and averaging 18.7/5.5 a game, his following 2 seasons have been lackluster at best.

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Hailed as Jayson Tatum’s equal, and as the Lakers’ “3rd star”, Kuzma was nothing but disappointing, averaging a mere 12.9/6.1 a game.

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Nikhil Naik is an NBA writer at EssentialySports. Having completed his bachelor's degree in Hospitality, he has worked with the Indian Hotels Company Limited, at the Taj in Mumbai. Nikhil has been playing basketball since 2014.

Lakers’ LeBron James Throws Kyle Kuzma a Going Away Party After Westbrook Trade

Classic LeBron James

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The “has been” of L.A.