The Lakers blew away a rare record amid their embarrassing defeat. The new-look LA side took on the Milwaukee Bucks tonight at Wisconsin. With LeBron James and two other starters out of action, Luka Doncic was given the task of pulling the team out of the losing streak. However, nothing went as per plan, as Giannis Antetokounmpo & Co. completely strangled the LA offense and forced them on a 3-game losing streak. Amid this onslaught, an ex-Laker shattered a hex.
The ex-Laker was none other than Kyle Kuzma himself. The 27th pick of the 2017 NBA Draft immediately made a name for himself in his rookie season, averaging 16.1 ppg and 6.3 rbs. Most importantly, the star forward played alongside LeBron James and shared a bit of the limelight. However, Kuzma’s stint at LA came to an end after 4 seasons when the team traded him to the Wizards.
Since then, Kuz has found himself in a Lakers jinx. It wasn’t out until the TNT announcer spilled it during the Lakers-Bucks game, claiming that he had a personal chat with the 29-year-old. For those who don’t know, the Wizards traded Kyle Kuzma to the Bucks ahead of the 2025 deadline. So, back to the jinx, the announcer said, “He’s well aware that he has never beaten the Lakers since being traded from LA to Washington 4 years ago.”
Fortunately, it ended tonight after the Bucks silenced the noisy Lakers with a blowout 126-106 win. The announcer added, “He told me it’s always fun going up against his former team.” Well, looking at the record (1-7), it certainly doesn’t seem fun to us. Nevertheless, Kuz hasn’t been the same lately. From someone who made it to the All-Rookie First Team, he has found himself in a scoring rut. Even tonight, he struggled offensively with 2-9 FG scoring 5 points. Fortunately, there’s a way out.
Kyle Kuzma is hopeful to come out of the rut
Kuz recorded his worst career performance this season, averaging 14.5 ppg. Notably, it hasn’t improved since his mid-season trade to the Bucks, averaging 13.8 ppg. But it is much more than what was expected from him with Dame and Giannis on the side. Above all, Kyle Kuzma looks to turn around the clock.
The announcer added, “Since leaving the Lakers, Kuz hasn’t been in the playoffs, and ending that drought is really important to him. He feels grateful to be back in the postseason mix again with the Bucks.” After winning the 2020 bubble championship with the Lakers, the star forward didn’t find himself anywhere near the postseason, as the Wizards struggled to put together a roster.
Feb 7, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma (18) reacts after a basket against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
However, the Bucks trade seemed to have come at the right time, as the TNT announcer continued, “He told me that the sense of purpose being with the Bucks meaningful everyday building toward something that’s attainable and hopefully competing for a championship.”
Well, that’s a promising place to start after a slump. The Bucks are currently in the 4th seed, floating their way through the lopsided Eastern Conference. Looking at the Bucks’ inconsistent run in the season, it’s hard to look at them as title favorites. However, basketball is unpredictable. An eight-seeding team could send a top-seeder home. So, let’s wait and watch.
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