Kyle Kuzma takes WILD JAB at Lakers GM for lying

Kyle Kuzma tweets “heard that before” in response to Rob Pelinka’s comment that he wants to keep the Lakers core together.

Kyle Kuzma takes WILD JAB at Lakers GM for lying

Kyle Kuzma (L) and Rob Pelinka (R) (Images Via Getty)

Kyle Kuzma is not shy about expressing his feelings about his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers. The Washington Wizards forward took a subtle dig at Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka after the Denver Nuggets swept the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals.

Kuzma, who was traded to the Wizards last offseason in the blockbuster deal that sent Russell Westbrook to the Lakers, tweeted “heard that before,” in reaction to Pelinka’s comment that he plans to keep the team’s core intact this summer.

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Kuzma’s tweet suggests that he feels lied to by Pelinka and the Lakers, who parted ways with him after four seasons in L.A. Kuzma was a vital piece for the Lakers in their 2020 title run, averaging 12.8 points and 4.5 rebounds off the bench.

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However, his role and production dipped in the 2020-21 season, as he averaged 12.9 points and 1.9 assists while shooting a career-worst 36.1% from beyond the arc. He also faltered in the postseason, as the Lakers lost in the first round to the Phoenix Suns. Kuzma was one of the young players that the Lakers drafted and groomed in recent years, along with Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, and Josh Hart. However, all of them were eventually shipped out for star players like Anthony Davis and Westbrook.

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Kyle Kuzma calls out Lakers for lack of loyalty and continuity

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Kyle Kuzma of the Washington Wizards (Via Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports)

The Lakers have been notorious for their win-now approach and their readiness to trade their future for their present. They have also been slammed for their lack of loyalty and continuity, as they have overhauled their roster every year since LeBron James joined the team in 2018.

While Pelinka may have genuine intentions of keeping the current Lakers core together, history indicates that he may not be able to do so. Furthermore, they may face some trade offers or requests from other teams or players who are dissatisfied with their roles or situations.

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Therefore, it is likely that the Lakers will have a different look next season, just like they did this season. Kuzma knows this firsthand, as he was once a part of the Lakers’ long-term plans before he became dispensable.

Kuzma may have some resentment towards his former team, but he also has a valid point. The Lakers are not known for their consistency or honesty when it comes to building their roster. They may say one thing today and do another thing tomorrow. That is why Kuzma threw shade at Pelinka for lying. He knows that nothing is guaranteed in L.A., and he is not afraid to call them out on it.

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