Kyle Kuzma calls being a Laker a "double-edged sword", believes treatment could have been better
Kyle Kuzma made a name for himself in the NBA with the LA Lakers. However, when the forward was asked about his stint with the team, Kuzma referred to being a Laker as a "double-edged sword".
Now with the Wizards, Kuzma has burst onto the scene as a potential cornerstone for the franchise. This recent uptick in performance has garnered interest from a lot of teams around the league as well.
As the forward has become a popular figure in trade rumors, Kuzma also finds himself linked to his former team, the LA Lakers, quite often. With rumors suggesting that Kuzma may head back after this season, the Lakers would certainly benefit from seeing him back in the squad.
However, the move that saw the forward traded to Washington may have left a bit of a bitter taste in Kuzma's mouth. In an interview with Fox Sports, Kuzma was asked about his time with the LA Lakers. The Wizards forward responded by saying:
"It’s a double-edged sword, a double-edged sword, for sure. I believe that it was some of the best things to ever happen to me, you know, getting drafted, being a Laker, having that platform. Having millions and millions of people globally know who you are, that’s a blessing. That’s part of being a Laker. Learning from LeBron, winning a championship — it’s all been great."
"But at the same time, I always look back and wish I would’ve gotten the fairer end of the stick a little bit, just with my role and how much I sacrificed. It’s cool to sacrifice. That’s the only way you win championships, everybody has to sacrifice."
"But, just getting the fairer end of the stick, I feel like I never really got [that]. But everything happens for a reason. I’m here now [in Washington], and I’ve been able to expand my game and flourish.”
Kyle Kuzma wishes he ‘would’ve gotten the fairer end of the stick a little bit’ with his role on the Lakers: lakersdaily.com/kyle-kuzma-wis…
The move to the Wizards has allowed him to become the player he was meant to be. With a reputation as a gunslinger early on, the forward has developed into a more well-rounded player after his stint with the Lakers.
After emerging as a star-caliber player in Washington, Kuzma is also due to sign a huge contract extension in the upcoming season.
Read: NBA Rumors: Kyle Kuzma looking to sign with big market team or a contender
Several teams have their eye on Kyle Kuzma
Washington Wizards star Kyle Kuzma has certainly caught the eye of several teams around the NBA this season. While he has always been a valuable asset, Kuzma has emerged as a star-caliber player with the Wizards.
While rumors linking Kuzma to the LA Lakers are interesting, other teams have also stepped into the fray as suitors. In this regard, the Miami Heat and the Phoenix Suns appear to be interesting landing spots for the forward. While also factoring in Kuzma's decision to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, NBA teams will certainly be aggressive in pursuing the forward.