Kyle Kuzma reflects on Lakers trade: 'They kind of gave up on me'

The Los Angeles Lakers' attempt to swing for the fences and acquire Russell Westbrook via trade following the 2020-21 season ended in disappointing fashion. Not only did the trio of LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Westbrook not lead to a championship, but the nine-time All-Star spent less than two seasons in Los Angeles before he was traded.

Ironically, while the Lakers have been rumored to be interested in numerous potential players via trade since the failed experiment, one name consistently mentioned is someone who they initially included in the deal for Westbrook: Kyle Kuzma.

It's unknown how realistic the chances of Kuzma returning to the Lakers via trade are, but the franchise already knows he can play alongside James and Davis, as the group won a title together. During a recent sitdown with All-Star Magazine, Kuzma addressed the trade and said he believes the Lakers would still be contending if he'd stayed in Los Angeles. He also thinks the Lakers "panicked" and gave up on him too quickly.

"It was tough because I think they kind of gave up on me, and they gave up on like that team too a little too early," Kuzma said.

"Probably panicked a little bit, but in the NBA, things happen fast, right? You never know what’s going to happen next, and it’s always like a revolving door. So we had a tough little stretch but you know it happens."

The Lakers traded Kuzma along with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell and a draft pick to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Westbrook. Although the deal hasn't sparked an immediate turnaround for the Wizards, the Lakers have gone just 123-123 in the regular season over the three years following the trade. While they've made the postseason twice, with one trip to the Western Conference Finals, James and Co. were bounced in the first round last year.

The recent results have led to the franchise's continued pursuit of additional talent, and a potential Kuzma reunion remains an intriguing storyline surrounding the Lakers that's worth monitoring.