Kyle Kuzma expecting a 'sizeable deal' from Lakers after championship win: Reports

2020 NBA Draft is just eight days away and new season is all set begin in just over a month's time. shortened pre-season and free ncy window leaves Los Angeles Lakers with a difficult decision to make with respect to Kyle Kuzma. Lakers forward is eligible for a rookie contract extension and is reportedly eyeing a sizeable pack to stay in Los Angeles. 

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Kyle Kuzma contract: Lakers star expects sizeable deal despite poor season 

Kyle Kuzma has been linked with a move away from Lakers since last summer but move materialised and franchise opted against using him in trade to bring in Anthony Davis. Lakers were hoping that 25-year-old would develop into a third star to support LeBron James and Davis, but that wasn't case and his numbers and performances took a backseat through course of season.

NBA champions could w trade him or risk losing him on a free next season. neless, Lakers are pondering over handing Kyle Kuzma a new deal and 25-year-old forward is exciting a big payday, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst. 

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Speaking on  Brian Windhorst & Hoop Collective podcast, Windhorst said that Kyle Kuzma's camp is expecting a bumper deal as he could opt out of his rookie contract extension in 2021. 25-year-old was mentioned in a number of trade rumours prior to deadline last season and could be traded by Lakers in off-season for a more established star.

Kuzma was far from his best last season and that would do little boost Lakers' chances of rewarding him with a new contract. However, 25-year-old is third-leading scorer among players that were drafted in 2017 and could command more than $3.5 million he’ll make this season. 

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According to Athletic’s Shams Charania, multiple teams are interested in trading for Kyle Kuzma and Lakers could part ways with young power forward for a more established star. NBA champions need to assess ir guard and a trade involving Kuzma could work out for Derrick Rose, Chris Paul or Dennis Schroder. Right w for Lakers, Kuzma is more valuable as an asset than a player and an extension is likely t in ir best interest for coming season. 

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(Im Courtesy: Kyle Kuzma Instagram)