Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype reported the Los Angeles Lakers are one of several teams monitoring Kyle Kuzma ahead of the NBA trade deadline on February 6.

The Washington Wizards forward is averaging 15.8 points in 27.5 minutes while shooting 42 percent from the paint and 27..6 from beyond the arc. While those numbers may be down from his previous two seasons in the nation's capital, he has developed the reputation of a leader with the team.

Scotto wrote: "Kuzma is viewed as one of the team leaders who keeps the Wizards competitive while helping to build the development of the other young players around him as a forward who can score and defend."

The Lakers, 4-6 in their last 10 games and ninth in the Western Conference, have been outscored by 70 points in their last two. The team has been run out of the arena by the Timberwolves and Heat in its last two games and finds itself at a pivotal moment in the season.

There is an argument to be made that the Lakers do not need another forward like they do a center, but Kuzma's maturation in Washington is undeniable. He is a player who can benefit L.A. in 2024 in a way he never could have when he left following the 2020-21 season.

Faced with worsening organization, he worked to better himself and the young talent around him. He developed into a leader and, at 29 years old, he may be the most complete player and teammate he has ever been.

Trading for the veteran would bring depth to the roster and introduce a presence in the locker room who would likely have to yield to Anthony Davis and LeBron James. But has the experience of playing for struggling teams and still finding a way to get the best out of players who may not have been the quality of what the Lakers have on their roster.

He could also benefit Dalton Knecht, the team's first-round pick in this year's draft and someone for whom expectations will be high. Kuzma has been in that position as a first-round pick expected to be one of the franchise's faces.

He has also experienced what it feels like to fall short of those expectations and can work with Knecht so he does not feel the same wrath of a frustrated Lakers organization that he did.

Kuzma is still a skilled player who averaged over 32 minutes and 22.2 points per game last season. He is not a washed veteran looking to finish out his career with a recognizable team.

He can contribute at a high level for a team that has had trouble with injuries, including starting forward Rui Hachimura, who missed four games with an ankle sprain to close out November.

Kuzma can start or come off the bench, but his ability to score and play defense will help the Lakers in a stacked Western Conference where any potential champion will do both.

As long as the price is right, adding Kuzma will be of great benefit to the present and future in L.A., and provide the team with the depth it has not had over the last three years, enhancing lofty championship hopes the organization has traditionally set for itself.