Lakers Trade Rumors: Rob Pelinka ends pursuit of $90,000,000 NBA champion and LeBron James' former teammate for 1 reason

Since the NBA trade window opened this season, the LA Lakers have been linked to several players, including former team standout Kyle Kuzma. Over the past month, multiple reports suggested that the Purple and Gold were interested in reuniting with their former forward.

Kuzma, currently on a four-year, $90 million contract with the Washington Wizards, was a vital part of the Lakers' 2020 NBA championship-winning team in the Orlando bubble. He played a key role alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis as the Lakers secured their 17th franchise title.

Kuzma spent four seasons with the Lakers before being traded by Rob Pelinka to the Wizards as part of a package to acquire Russell Westbrook. As the Lakers aim to strengthen their roster ahead of the Feb. 7 trade deadline, Kuzma was rumored to be a potential target for a return to Los Angeles to reunite with LeBron.

However, NBA insider Brett Siegel recently reported that the Lakers have officially ended their pursuit of the one-time NBA champion. According to Siegel, Rob Pelinka and the Lakers decided to back off from acquiring Kuzma after completing a trade for Dorian Finney-Smith.

Pelinka recently orchestrated a deal centered around D'Angelo Russell to acquire Finney-Smith and Shake Milton from the Brooklyn Nets, solidifying the team's roster adjustments.

Kyle Kuzma in 2024-25 NBA season

Kyle Kuzma is currently playing for the league's worst team, the Washington Wizards, who hold a dismal 6-30 record through 36 games, the fewest wins among all 30 NBA teams.

Kuzma has struggled with availability this season, appearing in just 19 of the Wizards’ 36 games. The star forward is averaging 14.6 points per game on 44.2% shooting from the field, including a low 25.9% from 3-point range. Additionally, he is contributing 5.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.

Meanwhile, the Lakers are not the only team that has reportedly moved on from attempting to trade for Kuzma. The Golden State Warriors have also reportedly ended their pursuit, especially after acquiring Dennis Schroder.

Kuzma has been linked to the Dallas Mavericks for the better part of a year, but the likelihood of that trade materializing appears to be slim at this point.