Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma has been a standout all season. His eye-opening talent has been an exciting subplot to an NBA season that has had one of the most compelling starts in recent years.
The rookie class, at least in the early goings of the year, have been playing fantastic basketball. The play of the players drafted high in the lottery somehow hasn’t been a distraction from the impressive game of Kuzma.
Hailing from Utah, Kuzma went relatively unnoticed during the draft process. It’s starting to look like an error on the part of NBA front offices the Lakers had the chance to take Kuzma after he continued to fall to 27th. NBA fans will have to wait to see what his place in the league ends up being.
At the power forward spot, Kuzma has demonstrated the ability to extend his game out past the three-point line, while also deft enough to score in the post. His energy off the bench gives the Lakers another dynamic to their young offense.
In an interview with NBA.com, Kuzma discussed his rookie season with the Los Angeles.
“I thought I had the best chance going to the Lakers because of the vibe I had from them,” Kuzma said. “But I knew the Spurs liked me as well. I had a workout there and I knew they definitely liked me. I killed that workout, and talked to them. And the dialogue with my agent (supported that).”
When NBA.com asked Kuzma where he thinks he should have gone on draft night, Kuzma answered: “definitely top 5.”
Kuzma is averaging 15.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists this season. He has started five games for Luke Walton’s Lakers so far. His chemistry with the team, namely number one overall pick Lonzo Ball, will go a long way in the growth of the young Lakers.
