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Los Angeles Lakers: Kyle Kuzma is a legitimate Rookie of the Year candidate

By Phillip Hawkins

SACRAMENTO, CA - NOVEMBER 22: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball during the game against the Sacramento Kings on November 22, 2017 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - NOVEMBER 22: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks the ball during the game against the Sacramento Kings on November 22, 2017 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Kyle Kuzma wasn’t the most hyped Los Angeles Lakers rookie but he is making a strong case to be Rookie of the Year.

In just under 25 games into his rookie year with the Los Angeles Lakers, Kyle Kuzma might be the best rookie on the team. Not only may he be the best Laker rookie, but he is arguably the best rookie in the NBA. What he brings to the team in the first quarter of the season is just what the team needed. If he can keep it up, Kuzma just might be the leagues Rookie of the Year.

Scoring

With only about a quarter of his rookie campaign played, Kyle Kuzma is already the Lakers leading scorer. Averaging 16.8 points a game, his ability to score the ball and help lead the team is just what the Lakers needed.

Kuzma already has seven games of 20+ points, including a career-high 30 point game against the Phoenix Suns. What he can do scoring the ball at his size and length is crucial. After losing last years leading scorers, acquiring Kuzma is a breath of fresh air.

Rebounding

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Crashing the glass at the power forward position is a key to the team’s success. Kuzma is one of the better rebounders on the Lakers roster. He is currently averaging 6.5 rebounds, which is tied for third on the team.

By grabbing those rebounds, Kuzma has racked up seven double-doubles, two of which came in the last two games. Not only does he get rebounds but he also has the ability to bring the ball up the floor. If he can continue to get rebounds at this level the Lakers are in good hands in the coming future.

Versatility

At 6’9″ and 220 pounds Kuzma’s versatility that he brings is unusual to see for a player at his size.  From his 3-point shooting to his rebounding and even to his ball handling, his style of play is positionless.

A common trend in the NBA, Kuzma’s style can bring another element to the team.  He will only get better as the season goes on, so the skills he has now will only get better as his rookie year continues.

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Kuzma’s scoring, rebounding and versatility all makes him a legit candidate to win the award.  Yes, there is some tough competition with Ben Simmons out in Philly, but Kuzma definitely has what it takes to be the NBA Rookie of the Year.

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