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Los Angeles Lakers pick Kyle Kuzma 27th in 2017 NBA Draft

By Kenneth Teape

Feb 10, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes forward Kyle Kuzma (35) dribbles the ball along the baseline during the second half against the Washington Huskies at Jon M. Huntsman Center. Utah won 90-82. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 10, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes forward Kyle Kuzma (35) dribbles the ball along the baseline during the second half against the Washington Huskies at Jon M. Huntsman Center. Utah won 90-82. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Los Angeles Lakers selected Utah power forward, Kyle Kuzma, with the 27th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.

With the 27th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers selected Utah power forward, Kyle Kuzma. The 27th pick was the second first-round pick of the evening for the Lakers, who used the second overall pick on UCLA point guard, Lonzo Ball.

The Lakers acquired this 27th pick in a trade from earlier in the week. On Tuesday, the Lakers agreed to a deal with the Brooklyn Nets that became official tonight. The Lakers acquired Brook Lopez and the 27th pick, which they turned into Kuzma, for D’Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov.

Kuzma had a strong junior season for Utah. He averaged 16.4 points to go along with 9.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. He passes well for a player of his size and has good court vision. His basketball IQ is high, which is always a plus for a prospect.

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In addition to his performance offensively, Kumza is a good defensive player. A defensive possession doesn’t end until a rebound is gained, and Kuzma is a strong rebounder.

Kuzma’s stats were good, but what really improved his draft stock was the NBA Combine. Kuzma put on a show in Chicago, which catapulted his draft stock. He shot the ball well at the combine, which he didn’t always do with Utah.

If the Lakers are hoping Kuzma develops into a stretch-four in the NBA, they could be disappointed. But, Kuzma was a good selection regardless. Los Angeles doesn’t have many options to throw the ball to into the post and get a basket; Kuzma can do that with an array of offensive moves.

Kuzma should fit in well with the Lakers bench. His lack of athleticism limits his upside, but he has solid fundamentals. He presents a good pairing off the bench with Larry Nance Jr., who has excellent athleticism but an unpolished offensive game.

If the Lakers can help Kuzma develop his jump shot, they could be looking at a steal with the 27th pick. His jumper and athleticism are the only things really holding him back right now. But, we have seen plenty of players succeed in the NBA that don’t jump out of the gym. Could Kuzma be that next player?

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