Kyle Kuzma was traded to the Washington Wizards this offseason after spending the first four years of his professional career as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Anytime you spend that much time with one organization, particularly your foundational years, there is a certain attachment that grows. And that attachment can make the breakup more brutal than it otherwise would’ve been.
Kuzma has admitted publicly over the past few weeks that the trade shocked him. Naturally, this led many to wonder whether he harbors any ill will towards his old team and teammates.
This past week Kuzma appeared on Gilbert Arenas’ "No Chill" podcast. While on the show, he discussed a number of interesting topics, including whether there was any residual bitterness towards LeBron James and the Lakers over how things turned out.
“It’s all love. All love for sure,” Kuzma said.
“A couple of days after I got traded, we were hanging out, chilling or whatever. I came in as a Laker that’s all I know. It was family from the jump. And even leaving, it was still family. You know getting calls or texts from Jeanie or Rob or equipment managers or people that work the front gate. Everyone is like, ‘Hope you have a successful career. You’re doing this and that.’ So no bitterness, no nothing for sure.”
In the aftermath of the trade, Kuzma made a few moves that some perceived to be shots at James. That led to a reflection of how tense their relationship occasionally was.
But apparently all the beef talk was overblown. Kuzma seems like he’s on perfectly fine terms with the Lakers, and the fact that James delivered a special parting gift to him after the trade solidifies that point.
All parties involved seem to be in a good place and happy with what transpired. Hopefully the trade ends up working out well for everyone long term.
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