Los Angeles Lakers: Three goals for Kyle Kuzma in 2017-18

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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 8: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a lay up during the game against the Boston Celtics during the 2017 Las Vegas Summer League on July 8, 2017 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Kyle Kuzma shined in the Las Vegas Summer League; can he carry that over to the regular season? Here are three goals for the rookie during the 2017-18 season.

Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma had one of the best summers of any rookie. He poured it in during the Las Vegas Summer League and turning it into his own personal showcase. The result was MVP of the championship game and a spot on the All-Tournament Second Team.

If the vote had been after the final game, he likely would have been a first-team selection along with teammate Lonzo Ball, who was selected as MVP.

He’s set some high expectations from fans and coaches alike. As a rookie, he needs to set his sights on the most critical goals. He’s not just looking to set a tone for this season, but a tone for what he hopes to be a prosperous and successful career.

Is he the next late draft Lakers steal? Will he come back to earth from his incredible performance in Summer League? Let’s look at what his goals should be.

Los Angeles Lakers: Kyle Kuzma working to improve defensively

TARRYTOWN, NY – AUGUST 11: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers poses for a photo during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG training center on August 11, 2017 in Tarrytown, New York. 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 Brian Babineau/Getty Images) /

Commitment to defense

Head coach Luke Walton established from the first practice that the emphasis this year will be on defense. To earn playing time Kuzma will have to show he can play respectable team defense.

Larry Nance Jr., who is the same height and approximate weight as Kuzma, has established himself as a contender for the starting power forward spot due to his defense. Kuzma has the same opportunity as he will likely play both the 3 and 4 behind Nance Jr.

Kuzma looked good in Summer League on the way to his championship game MVP. We have to wait and see how he fares against NBA level talent. It is unlikely he will be an above-average defender out of the gate. All he needs to show this year is he can pick up the defensive scheme and play quality team defense.

To earn playing time during this season and especially to build a solid career Kyle needs to set making a commitment to defense as his number one goal.

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