Los Angeles Lakers: 3 LA stars that are unlikely to finish the season with the team

#1 Kyle Kuzma

Kyle Kuzma is playing for his future in Los Angeles

At first glance, Kyle Kuzma appears set to play a substantial role for the Lakers, with many backing him to become the team's third star this season. However, the forward is coming off a second season which was a huge disappointment when compared to his breakout rookie campaign, and there are serious concerns that the four-year college player has already reached his peak.

Kuzma will start the season as a key member of Vogel’s starting five, although if DeMarcus Cousins returns to form, the 24-year-old will soon find himself as the team's fourth option on offense. His defensive game also remains non-existent, and it is difficult to envision Vogel playing Cousins, James, and Kuzma during clutch stretches.

This could leave the Lakers facing a tough choice, and trading Kuzma would land the team a number of valuable draft picks. Ultimately, the Flint native faces an uphill battle this season, and he could share a similar fate to his former young core that was shipped to New Orleans earlier this summer.