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[Saba Sports News] Despite all the jokes, the 2020 NBA Championship is widely regarded as one of the toughest ever won. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the NBA resumed in the Orlando bubble, where Kyle Kuzma, LeBron James, and the Lakers secured the title.
However, the Lakers only kept that core intact for one more injury-plagued season. In the 2021 playoffs, they led the Phoenix Suns 2-1 before injuries to Anthony Davis and LeBron James caused them to lose three straight games.
After their first-round exit, the Lakers traded Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Montrezl Harrell for Russell Westbrook—a move that Kuzma now regrets. He believes the Lakers should have given their core another shot at competing for a title, saying, “I think they gave up on me and the team a little too early… probably panicked.”
The 2021-22 Lakers, plagued by injuries, finished with a disappointing 33-49 record and missed the playoffs. Even when healthy, the trio of James, Davis, and Westbrook struggled to build any rhythm. Kuzma feels the depth from his and Caldwell-Pope’s presence was sorely missed.
Despite the trade ending the Lakers’ title hopes, it allowed Kuzma to flourish, as he posted career-highs in points (22.2), rebounds (6.6), and assists (4.2) last season. Meanwhile, the Lakers have since moved on, parting ways with Westbrook and reshuffling their roster.
Though Kuzma has thrived, the Washington Wizards, who drafted Alex Sarr second overall in 2024, are expected to remain near the bottom of the league.