Lake Show Life
Fansided

Los Angeles Lakers get high mark in complete 2017 NBA Draft first round grades

By Kenneth Teape

Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; NBA prospects pose for a group photo before the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; NBA prospects pose for a group photo before the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
27 of 30
Next
Los Angeles Lakers
March 12, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Utah Utes forward Kyle Kuzma (35) shoots the basketball against Oregon Ducks forward Dillon Brooks (24) during the first half in the championship game of the Pac-12 Conference tournament at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

B-. . Power Forward. Los Angeles Lakers. KYLE KUZMA

After selecting Lonzo Ball with the second overall pick, the Lakers selected another Pac-12 talent in Utah’s Kyle Kuzma. After a strong combine and workout with the team, Kuzma was a player that really saw his stock rise in recent weeks.

At Utah, Kuzma played very well last season. He was able to average 16.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. At 6’10” Kuzma does have the ability to shoot three-pointers, as he averaged three attempts per game in college. However, on a poor Utah team, Kuzma was asked to do a lot against some very talented teams in the conference.

In his junior season, Kuzma saw increases across the board, as he proved to be one of the best players in the conference. The pick for the Lakers adds another weapon to their front court. With Julius Randle, Larry Nance Jr., and Kuzma, the Lakers do have depth at power forward in case a trade for Paul George costs the Lakers one of these young players.

This might have been a slight reach for the Lakers, but Kuzma was able to turn strong workouts and a good college career into him becoming a Laker. As the pick that the Lakers received from the Nets for Russell, Kuzma will feel some pressure because of that.

Home/Lakers Draft