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Los Angeles Lakers: Breaking down the 2017 Las Vegas Summer League roster

By Kenneth Teape

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: Lonzo Ball walks on stage after being drafted second overall by the Los Angeles Lakers during the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 22: Lonzo Ball walks on stage after being drafted second overall by the Los Angeles Lakers during the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 22, 2017 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers: Breaking down the 2017 Las Vegas Summer League roster
TUCSON, AZ – JANUARY 05: Kyle Kuzma /

Kyle Kuzma; Power Forward

The Lakers selected Kyle Kuzma, the Utah power forward, with the 27th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Some people believed it was a bit of a reach, but he is an intriguing prospect. His stock rose after he dominated the NBA Combine, and the Lakers decided to snag him with the 27th pick.

Kuzma was very productive at Utah. Playing against him upper-tier talent in the PAC-12 didn’t slow him down, as he was one of the best players in the conference. Kuzma was top-five in both scoring and rebounding, averaging 16.4 points and 9.3 rebounds per game.

In addition to his scoring and rebounding prowess, Kuzma is also a very good passer for a power forward. His decision making could use some refinement, but he has a diverse offensive game making him difficult to defend.

What drew Kuzma to the Lakers is his potential to be a stretch-4 in the NBA. He has an offensive arsenal that would only grow if he continued to work on his range.

Kuzma will have a tough road to playing time right away with the Lakers. Julius Randle should be the starting power forward with Larry Nance Jr. backing him up. Kuzma has impressed general manager Rob Pelinka thus far, but he will have his work cut out for him to earn playing time right off the bat.

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