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.
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.