Los Angeles Lakers: Kyle Kumza will outperform draft position

The Los Angeles Lakers look like they could have a steal on their hands in power forward, Kyle Kuzma.

The Los Angeles Lakers had a very strong performance during the 2017 NBA Draft. When they landed the No. 2 pick via the NBA Draft Lottery, they were put into a position to land a transcendent player. But, they didn’t just stop knowing they had that pick, they kept adding to their inventory.

Prior to the draft, the Lakers made a trade with the Brooklyn Nets. The Lakers sent D’Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov to the Nets in exchange for Brook Lopez and the No. 27 pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. That was not the last trade the Lakers would make.

During the draft, the Lakers would trade away the No. 28 pick to the Utah Jazz. In return, the Lakers received picks No. 30 and 42.

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When you have the No. 2 pick and use it on a player like UCLA point guard Lonzo Ball, you have already won. But the Lakers added plenty of talent with their other three picks as well. With the 27th pick, the Lakers took Utah power forward, Kyle Kuzma. At No. 30 the Lakers nabbed Villanova shooting guard, Josh Hart. In the second round, at No. 42, the Lakers picked Indiana center, Thomas Bryant.

Thus far the pick that has stood out is Kuzma. Kuzma was outstanding during the Las Vegas Summer League. If it was not for Ball’s dominance, Kuzma could have very well taken home the MVP award that Ball was awarded.

Kuzma did receive the MVP for the championship game, which is an impressive feat all in itself. In the title game, with Ball sidelined, Kuzma absolutely dominated. Kuzma finished the game with a team high 30 points and 10 rebounds, adding one assist, one steal, and one block.

Kuzma showcased exactly what the Lakers were hoping during their time in Las Vegas. Kuzma was selected with the hope that he would develop into a stretch-4 in the NBA. Kuzma’s didn’t shoot too many three-pointers at Utah, but he did make 38 percent of his three-pointers after January 1st this season.

At the Summer League, Kuzma knocked down an impressive 48 percent of his three-pointers and 51.4 percent of his shots. Kuzma is unlikely to knock down three-pointers at that rate during the regular season, but if he comes near the 38 percent he knocked down at the end of his Utah career, the Lakers will be very happy.

Los Angeles Lakers /

Los Angeles Lakers

Over at ESPN, Mike Schmitz picked Kuzma as one of the rookies that would outperform their draft spot, and we would agree with him. Kuzma is in an excellent position with the Lakers as their game plan fits his playing style perfectly.

Kuzma is very athletic and likes to get in the open court. With Ball running the show, you can be sure the Lakers will be out and running as often as possible. Here is part of what Schmitz said about Kuzma being on the Lakers.

"He doesn’t solve many of the Lakers’ defensive concerns and it remains to be seen how real his summer league shooting explosion is, but Kuzma fits the versatile style of play Luke Walton wants. Ball needs a spaced floor to be at his best, and Kuzma helps fills that void. The fluid 6-9 forward still has to earn his minutes, but a lineup of Ball, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Brandon Ingram, Kuzma and Lopez has at least the threat of shooting at every position and several guys who can handle and facilitate."

The Lakers roster has been built in a way to fit the playing style of Ball. His passing skills are sure to be on full display as he will be surrounded by young, athletic players that like getting into the open court. Kuzma fits that role perfectly.

Next: 3 Lakers Standouts From Las Vegas Summer League

Usually, players drafted as late as Kuzma do not see much playing time right away. With how he played in the Las Vegas Summer League, Kuzma has the inside track to playing time. If he shows that again during training camp, it will be impossible to leave him out of the rotation.

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