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Los Angeles Lakers: 5 takeaways from Las Vegas Summer League

By Kenneth Teape

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 17: Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers speaks to a reporter after the Lakers beat the Portland Trailblazers during the 2017 Summer League Finals on July 17, 2017 at the Thomas
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 17: Magic Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers speaks to a reporter after the Lakers beat the Portland Trailblazers during the 2017 Summer League Finals on July 17, 2017 at the Thomas /
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Los Angeles Lakers: 5 takeaways from Las Vegas Summer League
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 17: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up before the championship game of the 2017 Summer League against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 17, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: Los Angeles won 110-98. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Kyle Kuzma Shines

When the Los Angeles Lakers traded away D’Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets, there were many fans that were unhappy. Their unhappy state wasn’t improved when the pick they acquired, No. 27 in the 2017 NBA Draft, was used on Utah power forward, Kyle Kuzma.

Coming into the draft, Kuzma was regarded as a second round prospect. Many believed the Lakers reached for Kuzma as there were questions about some aspects of his game. Whatever questions people had were answered in Summer League.

Kuzma was one of the biggest surprises in Las Vegas. He was absolutely dominant throughout the Summer League. During the draft process, Kuzma was considered an excellent rebounder and skilled scorer. He showcased both skills, as he was the leading scorer for the Lakers with 21.9 points per game and pulled down 6.4 rebounds per game.

His athleticism was on full display as he was the recipient of multiple long Lonzo Ball outlet passes. He held his own defensively as well with a 104 defensive rating. What was most surprising for Kuzma was his success shooting three-pointers.

Kuzma showed the potential to be a stretch-4 at Utah but never did it consistently. He showed it was something he worked diligently on, as he made 48 percent from deep in Las Vegas.

Kuzma is unlikely to shoot that well in the NBA, but he definitely turned some heads. He has put himself squarely in the discussion to receive minutes for the Lakers once the regular season rolls around. Los Angeles is desperate for a stretch-4 and Kuzma could be the answer.

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