Lakers star Kyle Kuzma told how trade plan has changed due to Anthony Davis injury
The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly been fielding offers for Kyle Kuzma ahead of the NBA trade deadline.
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The NBA trade deadline closes on February 6 and the Los Angeles Laker may have to change their plans for Kyle Kuzma due to Anthony Davis’ recent injury. According to former NBA star Jalen Rose, Kuzma will now get the chance to truly put himself in the shop window with Davis expected to miss a number of games.
Davis was writhing in pain after crashing hard to the court during the Lakers’ recent win over the New York Knicks.
Fortunately, scans came back negative on any serious back injury but he is still out for the upcoming road trip.
That could benefit Kuzma though, who’s only start of the season came in the November win over the Golden State Warriors when Davis was also unavailable.
The 24-year-old finished with 22 points, which included three three-pointers, as well as five rebounds.
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Things are slightly different for Kuzma though with recent reports suggesting the Lakers are fielding offers for the power forward ahead of the trade deadline.
But Rose believes Davis’ short-term injury could in fact benefit both the Lakers and Kuzma in regards to a potential trade.
“The key person this is going to impact is Kyle Kuzma,” he said on Jalen & Jacoby.
“When you hear your name in trade rumours, that works two ways. Take it from somebody who has been traded a couple times…
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“He now gets to play his value for the Lakers to potentially shop him and for him to go be ready to go ball somewhere else.”
Davis himself has some questions over his future after rejecting a max-contract extension offer from the Lakers.
It makes sense too with Davis potentially set to earn $50million more if he re-signs with the Lakers as a free agent.
But Rose Davis’ hinted decision to wait until free agency could also mean he is considering moving elsewhere.
“You’ve got to keep your options open in case anything happens,” he added.
“LeBron is in his 17th year; you do see him playing at a high level and you do want to continue playing in the purple and gold…
“AD knows he is playing with a gentleman in his mid-30s so you want to make sure this thing plays out.
“He’s healthy, you’re healthy and then you get your five-year deal in the offseason.”