Lakers could reunite with polarizing player after failed Jonathan Kuminga pursuit

After months of speculation and back-and-forth, the Los Angeles Lakers missed out on Jonathan Kuminga.

The former lottery pick took less money to keep more control of his future with a short-term deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

That left JJ Redick's team looking for a starting-caliber combo forward, and the right guy for the job might be hiding in plain sight.

According to LakeShowLife's Svyatoslav Rovenchuk, the Lakers should circle on Kyle Kuzma, a polarizing former Lakers pick who was pivotal to their last championship.

The Lakers should bring back Kyle Kuzma

“The former Laker is on an expiring contract, giving Los Angeles few long-term worries when it comes to absorbing his $20.5 million salary for 2026-27. In the short-term, Kuzma does still do several of the things that Los Angeles would be looking for from the position,” Rovenchuck wrote.

Citing his defensive prowess and ability to score from all three levels, Rovenchuck argued that Kuzma would be a seamless fit for the new-look Purple & Gold.

“The 2020 NBA champion is a solid defender on his best day, can create his own offense, and should benefit as a shooter from having the easy perimeter looks that Luka Doncic provides. Kuzma is far from perfect, but he provides a workable solution at this stage of the summer.”

Kuzma often alternated winning plays with head-scratching ones, but a lot has transpired since the last time he suited up for the Lakers, and the overall balance was often positive. 

He's a well-rounded player who knows and embraces his role, and while he doesn't offer the same athleticism or upside as Kuminga, the 31-year-old would certainly appreciate playing for a contender again.

The Milwaukee Bucks are rebuilding, and Kuzma doesn't fit the post-Giannis Antetokounmpo timeline. 

He's entering the final season of his four-year, $90 million deal, and he should be a hot commodity among teams looking to add an experienced 3-and-D wing to the mix.