After long months of uncertainty, Kyle Kuzma has finally set his future at the Lakers in stone. But to do so, the strong winger had to swallow his pride and make a big concession.
40 million over 3 years, the scratch at the bottom of the contract, and this is how the soap opera Kyle Kuzma finally came to an end – and this despite the huge taunts from internet users. A lesser evil for the young player, author of a very delicate last season.
First at the heart of many trade rumors, Kuz has seen its value decline as its performance on the floors has taken a back seat. He therefore had to settle for an extension at a discount, far for example from the supermax of Jayson Tatum, drafted in 2017 too.
A bitter taste ? Necessarily. But Kuzma was able to put the pride aside, as ESPN’s always very knowledgeable Brian Windhorst explained in the podcast. The Hoop Collective :
Kuzma’s demand was higher, but he lowered it and made sure to stay with the Lakers.
Several months ago, much more tidy sums were in fact mentioned from the Kuzma camp. But Kuz’s questionable level made them totally unrealistic, and the choice became simple: sign a discounted extension, or let it run and become a free agent next summer. The first option was chosen.
Once the pill has been swallowed, 40 million being a “modest” sum in the current league, Kuzma has everything to gain from this deal. And on the side of his teammates, who have never stopped supporting him, the confidence is there. Anthony Davis recently explained that his contractual situation settled, the winger would play much more liberated.
In any case, its pre-season suggests a lot of good things, including a great address from afar. It remains now to follow without falling back into the old ways.
Kyle Kuzma has put aside his dreams of a big extension for now, but ultimately he remains a Laker for the next few years. It’s up to him to play now.
