Lakers’ Pursuit of Kuzma Sparks Debate: Analyst Says He Is Not a Starting-Caliber Player

The Los Angeles Lakers still face important decisions ahead of the 2026-27 season. After missing out on Jonathan Kuminga, the team continues to search for a forward who can strengthen its starting lineup, with several familiar names emerging, including a former member of the Purple and Gold championship team.

On paper, Kyle Kuzma brings experience, scoring ability and familiarity. He won a championship in 2020 and understands the pressure of playing in Los Angeles. His contract with the Milwaukee Bucks is currently entering its final year, which could make a trade more attractive. However, analyst Jovan Buha believes the team should proceed carefully.

Buha said on his YouTube channel: “The third path is the category I would put De’Andre Hunter, Kyle Kuzma and Grant Williams into. Those are players where you’re chasing the name, chasing the résumé, players who are a paper upgrade but not truly starting-caliber players. So this is a variation of the first path. I think the first path is players like P.J. Washington and Derrick Jones, who are clearly starters and can fill what the Lakers need. The third path is getting a player, getting a name, but not someone who truly changes the situation.”

“If the choice is between players like De’Andre Hunter, Kyle Kuzma or Grant Williams, and players like Ziaire, Jake, Vanderbilt and Adu, I would rather keep the assets and bet on the Lakers’ current players. I do not think they should invest in players who are not starting-caliber.”

These comments are particularly relevant to Kuzma because there are understandable reasons his name has continued to appear in Lakers trade discussions. NBA analyst Jake Weinbach recently listed Kuzma alongside Washington and Jones as potential targets. He said: “If the Lakers continue to pursue a starting-caliber forward after missing out on Jonathan Kuminga, potential trade targets to watch could include P.J. Washington, Derrick Jones or Kyle Kuzma. The Lakers currently have 16 players under contract and are still above the roster limit.”