Los Angeles Lakers: Kyle Kuzma is Rookie of the Year dark horse
By Zain Danani
Los Angeles Lakers rookie Kyle Kuzma is a dark horse candidate to win the Rookie of the Year award.
Heading into the 2017 NBA offseason the Los Angeles Lakers and fans had their sights on one rookie – Lonzo Ball. With his father talking about the Lakers drafting the UCLA phenom in late February, before the start of the NCAA tournament, fans had their attention grasped at the future as another horrific season could not come to an end any sooner.
As Lonzo continued to amaze crowds and Lavar continued to headline with controversial remarks, the Lakers’ organization made a move two days prior to the draft that made their plans for the future far more transparent.
By trading D’Angelo Russell, arguably their best player at the time, and Timofey Mozgov to the Brooklyn Nets for Brook Lopez and the 27th pick, it was clear that the Lakers would select Lonzo on draft night and that he was the focal point for their future. What was not clear, however, is that 27th pick is the steal of the draft and maybe even future Rookie of the Year.
With that pick, the Lakers drafted Kyle Kuzma from the University of Utah. Kuzma seemed to be your average late first rounder as he was a lesser-known draft prospect scouts thought had flaws in his game. As soon as Summer League started, however, it was apparent that he was much more.
With the spotlight on Ball, Kuzma took the backseat. Yet, with his versatility, quickness, and shocking perimeter shooting it was only a matter of time before he got his own spotlight.
Summer League ended with the Lakers becoming champs. With Lonzo out, Kuzma ended up being the face of the team and their MVP. Although it was just Summer League, Kyle Kuzma had made it clear that he was a force to be reckoned with as he averaged 21.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game. He was also efficient, shooting 51.4 percent from the floor and a whopping 48 percent from three.
As other headlines, mainly trades and record-breaking contracts, dominated NBA news for the next two and a half months, Kuzma, and for that matter, all other rookies were forgotten about. Once preseason began, however, the Lakers were back and more importantly, Kuzma was ready to roll.
With Lonzo sidelined from an ankle sprain, it would seem that Brandon Ingram or Jordan Clarkson would lead the Lakers, but surprisingly enough it was Kuzma who took charge. Although the Lakers did not win as much as fans wanted in the preseason, the league was put on notice yet again.
Kuzma finished the preseason with averages of 17.3 points, 4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists on 51.4 percent shooting off the bench. To put that into perspective, Kevin Durant averaged 17.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists on 52.5 percent shooting while only playing two fewer minutes and starting. Sure it was just preseason, but seeing Kuzma able to succeed against both Summer League and preseason competition speaks volumes to his consistency and his increased value.
With the season underway Kuzma now looks to continue to prove doubters wrong and showcase his skills throughout the regular season. With his improving jumper and lateral quickness, the Lakers are even considering playing him at the small forward position rather than his primary power forward position.
Though Luke Walton has made it clear that the chances of Kuzma starting are slim, the season has just begun and it is highly possible that he may eventually work his way to the lineup. Just by looking at preseason we can see that Kuzma outplayed Ingram, who averaged 10.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists on 37.3 percent shooting in two fewer minutes of play.
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If we mix this in with Ingram’s continued inconsistency through all play – Summer League, preseason, and regular season – it is possible that Kuzma ends up taking the starting small forward role, especially if Ingram shoots similar to the putrid 40/29/62 line he did last year.
Having a history of being overlooked, even as recently as this preseason, Kyle Kuzma now looks to silence his skeptics. Adding this to Kuzma’s real-life struggles and his persistence to survive and thrive, leads to an even greater reason why he will succeed.
If Kuzma starts, he will be alongside his rookie teammate – Lonzo Ball – who just so happens to be his most gelling teammate and he will find his looks to score from outlet passes to open spot-up jumpers. Along with this, Kuzma will also make unselfish plays and crash the boards as he displayed throughout the preseason.
Contrarily, if he comes off the bench, he will likely be one of the leaders and will control more aspects of the offense. This will give him the opportunity to average better if not more stats than if he starts.
With Magic Johnson calling him “the steal of the draft,” Rob Pelinka wanting to do backflips when the Lakers drafted him, and Jesse Buss saying, “He embodies what we’re trying to build culture wise,” Kuzma has the full support of the Lakers’ front office to continue to grow.
Additionally, “Kuz” chants and “Kuz Control” signs confirm that he is a fan favorite and main attraction to the team. As Lonzo Ball will face constant pressure to score because of his odd jumper and added pressure from his father’s outlandish comments, it will be tough for him to win Rookie of the Year, especially with a draft loaded with elite point guard prospects; Markelle Fultz, Dennis Smith Jr., and De’Aaron Fox to name a few.
Conversely, for Kuzma, a power forward with outside scoring, fine footwork, and great vision, winning Rookie of the Year may not be as difficult. Moreover, with Kuzma’s size and position, the only real threat he would need to beat out for the award would be Ben Simmons, who will have to share the ball with Fultz and Joel Embiid.
Regardless of where Kyle Kuzma is placed, he will flourish as he has since the beginning of Summer League. He has constantly gone unnoticed and now he is out to make a name for himself in the league he will have to continue his high level of play.
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This has not been a problem for Kuzma, and as a playoff berth does not seem like a realistic goal for the Lakers this season, his eyes should be set on the Rookie of the Year award as a way to put his name on the map.