Los Angeles Lakers center Brook Lopez provides an example of professionalism that is rubbing off on young teammates such as Kyle Kuzma.
The Los Angeles Lakers have one of the youngest rosters in the NBA. They are loaded with talented young players, as there are three players in their starting lineup alone in their first or second season in the NBA. Eight players in their rotation are 25 years old or younger.
With that kind of youth, it is important to have some veterans for them to lean on. One of those players is Brook Lopez.
Lopez was acquired from the Brooklyn Nets prior to the 2017 NBA Draft along with the No. 27 pick. In exchange, the Lakers sent D’Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov to the Nets.
It was a move the Lakers made for a number of reasons. One reason was the salary cap implications. The Lakers save a lot of money in the future by moving Mozgov’s contract because Lopez is on an expiring deal. Lopez’s skill set is also something the Lakers could put to use as his three-point shooting and rim protection were needed.
More from Lakers News
- Darvin Ham adds to Max Christie hype train after Lakers preseason opener
- Is LeBron James playing tonight? Latest Lakers vs Warriors update
- Can Darvin Ham put all of the Lakers puzzle pieces together?
- Lakers news: Darvin Ham knows his fifth starter, LeBron James and Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino praise
- Michael Malone’s painfully ironic comment has Lakers fans heated
Lopez is arguably the best player that was moved in that deal. In addition to Lopez, the Lakers also got quite a steal in Kyle Kuzma with the No. 27 pick. Kuzma has been a huge surprise since being selected, exceeding any expectations set for him.
Kuzma is one of the youngsters that the Lakers are hoping can learn a thing or two from Lopez. Thus far, it looks like Lopez is having an impact on the younger players, including Kuzma.
While talking to Ben Nadeau of Basketball Insiders, Kuzma shared what he has learned from Lopez thus far in during his rookie season.
"“[Lopez] has taught me how to be a professional,” Kuzma told Basketball Insiders prior to their game against the Boston Celtics earlier this month. “He’s one of the first guys in the gym, one of the last ones to leave.”"
That kind of work ethic is a great example for Lopez to set for his younger teammates. Adjusting to life in the NBA is difficult enough; having someone to learn from such as Lopez is a luxury some young players are not afforded.
In addition to that, Kuzma also mentioned the work that Lopez puts in off the court as something he has learned.
"“[Lopez] takes care of his body, he stays low-key and is never in trouble,” Kuzma said. “He’s the type of professional I want to be.”"
No one will mistake Lopez for Kuzma. They have different styles of play on the court but learning how to become a professional on and off the court is a valuable lesson for Kuzma to learn, and Lopez is a willing teacher.
Next: Brook Lopez The Kind Of Guy Lakers Need
With a young roster such as the one the Lakers have put together, model professionals such as Lopez are a must. The Lakers are lucky to have a player such as Lopez on the roster and the young players are learning great habits from him as a result.