In 2017, the Los Angeles Lakers lucked out and grabbed three impact players through the NBA Draft in Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart. Two years later, only one remains as a result of the Anthony Davis trade that sent Ball, Kuzma, Hart and former No. 2 overall pick Brandon Ingram to the New Orleans Pelicans.
However, while Kuzma might not be on the same team as Ball, Hart and Ingram anymore, he wishes them all the best going forward. During a recent interview with Arash Markazi of the Los Angeles Times, Kuzma said that he thinks his former Lakers teammates have a real opportunity to thrive with their new team:
“They’re my friends and we’re always going to be friends,” Kuzma said. “Just because we’re not teammates doesn’t mean we won’t be friends. I’m always going to communicate with them and keep up with them. I’m just happy for those guys. They’re in an unbelievable situation for them to really grow and become the players they want to be.”
With the exception of Kuzma and Hart, the Lakers’ young core had a hard time adapting to an offense centered around LeBron James. In New Orleans, the offense will be built with Ball and Ingram—two non-shooters—in mind, allowing them to play to their strengths. It should also be noted that unlike the James-led Lakers last season, the Pelicans won’t be expected to make playoffs this season, so the pressure for them to succeed won’t be nearly as high as it was in Los Angeles.
Ball, Hart and Ingram surely would have loved to say in sunny Los Angeles, CA, but a change of scenery was probably needed for them to reach their full potential.
