In an interview on “No Chill” with Gilbert Arenas, Kyle Kuzma said he was ready and expected to reunite with Luke Walton on the Sacramento Kings. Kuzma was part of the reported trade package along with Montrezl Harrell that would have sent Buddy Hield to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Right as it seemed the Hield to the Lakers deal was done, the Lakers quickly shifted focus to a Russell Westbrook deal instead. They sent Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Montrezl Harrell and the No. 22 pick in the draft to Washington for Westbrook, effectively ending trade discussions with the Kings.

Kuzma told Arenas was shocked to see the trade talks between the Kings and Lakers break down:

Kuzma went on to say that he was happy that he ended up in Washington, given the opportunity to play with Bradley Beal and a better chance to win games:

Kuzma would have bolstered the Kings’ wing depth, which currently only features Harrison Barnes and Moe Harkless as far as guys with NBA experience. He also would have been the youngest of the group by two years.

Kuzma averaged 15.2 points per game and 5.6 rebounds during his four seasons with the Lakers.