It really is. I think he saw some of the trade talk, criticisms of his defense, etc and really has responded to it.
My own keeper priorities in view of a probable trade involving our young core: 1. Keep Kuz no matter what 2. Keep Zo unless he is the deal breaker for AD or Giannis or Lillard. 3. Keep Hart unless AD / Giannis / Lillard OR he brings back an all star SG. 4. Use BI as our primary trade asset paired with KCP and other filler.
I probably still do Kuz and BI for AD. But Kuz is making me think twice about trading him for anybody right now... Straight ballin...and I think he's gonna only get better
D-Fish, I agree but I didn't understand why Karacha would write that BI would at this point likely be the one to be traded. The what you've done for me lately on Lakersball is that since Kuz is playing well recently that BI will be the one we should trade. Huh? It was just a couple of weeks ago that most on here felt that Kuz should be coming in with the second unit because of atrocious shooting behind the arc and horrendous defense. Now, he's become less likely to be traded? Frankly, by Kuz playing well, if we do make a big trade, if I was an opposing team I want the centerpiece to be Kuz rather than BI because Kuz will have higher value due to his play as of late. So, I really think the likelihood would be Kuz not BI if doing a big trade. On a higher level, I'm questioning whether we need to trade at all. And if we do a big trade, I would hope that it is for a player the caliber of AD. If not, we're just making a move to make one... basically pissing in the wind. My point is not to trade at all. Put BI with the second unit and let him run it. Unless we get a franchise player such as AD, KD, Kawhi, we should not be seeking to trade any of the young core right now.
I just think at this point of BI's career, he should already be at Kuzma's level. He has all the tools to do so, but for some reason, is just taking longer to get there. He's been injured every year, not to his fault, but it's hindering his development and experience to gain momentum. BI's value is linked to his youth and potential, despite his standard play this season. We won't be trading him for a lateral piece, especially ones on an expiring deal, unless that deal involves someone like Beal, Kemba, and AD. Technically, we don't really need to trade. We could have it all next summer WITH a big name free agent, but if we want to take advantage of our current situation, and given the right offer, you pull the trigger because Lebron gives us a contending chance no matter what.
Totally agree... for the right piece that would be a transformative piece for the team. Not a lateral move as you said. It's why I think if we did do something Kuz would be the centerpiece because of his play. However, I think it would be a couple of kiddos (including BI) to be honest.
My thoughts exactly. I’m not doing a trade unless it’s AD or Giannis. Chances are we make the WCF this year. Next year we win it all with any combination of KD, Klay or Kawhi.
The game finally looks easy for him like it was for stretches last season. Earlier this season he was forcing things a bit but he’s found a nice groive with Lebron, keep it up Kuz and maybe, just maybe, we really are just ine piece away.
Being 23 means nothing really. Wade was 23 in his 2nd season, as was Lillard for example. MJ was 23 in his 2nd season too I believe just like Steve Nash. On the other hand there are plenty 20 year old scrubs who are in their 2nd season.
I only used his age because there are also examples of players who took a lot longer in their NBA career whether they played 1 year in college or were 4 year college players to develop in the NBA. Jimmy Butler wasn't great his first few years. Kyle Lowry was passed along to many teams before he was an all-star type PG. Not one player is the same or follows the same path, but its exciting to me that Kuzma is showing the kind of development and tenacity to get better at 23 years of age in the LA market with only 1 full year under his belt. Not everyone could do that.
