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Los Angeles Lakers: Kyle Kuzma may challenge Julius Randle for playing time

By Asha Doucet

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 17: Jarnell Stokes #34 of the Portland Trail Blazers guards Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the championship game of the 2017 Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 17, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Los Angeles won 110-98. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 17: Jarnell Stokes #34 of the Portland Trail Blazers guards Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the championship game of the 2017 Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 17, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Los Angeles won 110-98. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers found a gem in Kyle Kuzma who performed so well in Summer League he may steal some of Julius Randle’s time on the court.

In Summer League action Kyle Kuzma averaged 21.9 points per game on 51.4 percent shooting including 48 percent from three to go along with 6.4 rebounds per game. His stats make him one of the best overall performers in Summer League despite being a late first-round pick.

In the Summer League championship, Kuzma scored 30 points and grabbed ten boards to lead the Lakers to victory with Lonzo Ball on the bench due to a calf injury. Kuzma’s performance in the game earned him MVP honors.

It wasn’t just Kuzma’s end-of-the-game stats that turned heads, but his overall dominance on the court. He proved to have a wide skill set and to be a versatile player, which including posting up, finishing at the rim and hitting from deep—a lot. Kuzma was on fire from three-point land and it seemed like every shot he put up was going in.

Most of all, Kuzma proved to be a great competitor and was able to establish incredible chemistry with Ball. Because he performed so well, is a versatile player and established great rhythm with Lonzo, it’s safe to say Kuzma will get significant playing time with the Lakers.

Since Kuzma plays the forward position, the more minutes he earns, the less will be available for L.A.’s starting forward Julius Randle. Randle is no slouch, however. Last year he averaged 13.2 points per game on 48.8 percent shooting and is has gotten into the best shape of his life this offseason. Randle should come back better than ever and is even poised to have a breakout year. However, with Kuzma balling so hard, he may have competition on his hands for playing time.

Although Kuzma balled out in Summer League and has yet to play a regular season game, based off his ability and confidence, in time he could turnout to be the steal of the draft and wind up an All-Star. Just by look of his potential, he could seriously steal some of Randles minutes.

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At the very least Randle will have some friendly competition at the position that ensures he’s at his A game night in and night out. The scenario will be a win-win for the Lakers who now have two potential All-Star forwards on their roster.

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