Los Angeles Lakers: 3 Takeaways from loss vs Portland Trail Blazers

PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 2: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers goes for a lay up against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 2, 2017 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. 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 Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 2: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers goes for a lay up against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 2, 2017 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. 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 Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers: 3 Takeaways from loss vs Portland Trail Blazers
PORTLAND, OR – NOVEMBER 2: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers goes for a lay up against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 2, 2017 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. 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 Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)

Kyle Kuzma is the Real Deal

The Kyle Kuzma hype is real. Although Lonzo Ball is lauded as the future of the Lakers, Kuzma is slowly closing that gap with his strong play. The University of Utah product had a historic night as he set a new career-high in scoring with 22 points.

Kuzma also shot an efficient 59 percent from the floor and was even better in the clutch as he scored nine points in the fourth quarter on 67 percent shooting.

Including tonight, the rookie has scored 15 or more points and shot 50 percent or better in six of his eight games. This is remarkable considering that Kuzma is coming off of the bench and has only played above 30 minutes three times this season. The loss to the Blazers may have been heartbreaking, but if it paves the way for the next big Lakers’ star then so be it.

Next: Lakers vs Trail Blazers Recap and Highlights

Can Kuzma keep the good production rolling? We will have to watch and find out when the Lakers host the Nets tonight!

Schedule