The Los Angeles Lakers went all-in on a championship when they traded Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and multiple draft picks to the New Orleans Pelicans for Anthony Davis.
Throughout trade talks, it became clear the Lakers were unwilling to part ways with Kyle Kuzma, likely due to a mix of his abilities and the chance at keeping a max deal slot.
The Lakers sticking their neck out to keep the young player puts a lot of added pressure on Kuzma as he’ll now have to assume the role of the third player on a team with Davis and LeBron James.