Los Angeles Lakers’ rookie Kyle Kuzma has made plenty of waves so far this season. Due to his level of play, it is clear he is blossoming into a young star.
Versatile Los Angeles Lakers’ forward Kyle Kuzma has turned out differently than anyone thought he would. Although the Lakers selected him at No. 27 overall in this year’s draft, that number means nothing now.
He has exceeded the expectations originally placed on him—and some. It has truly been amazing to behold.
Kuzma is presently Los Angeles’ leading scorer, netting 17.4 points a night. What is encouraging is that while the young man is scoring in volume, he has been efficient in doing so. His field goal percentage sits at 50.7 percent, while his percentage from 3-point land resides at 40.5 percent.
Suffice to say, “Kuz” as the fans like to call him, has got game. That is beyond evident at this stage.
The Lakers’ recent road game against the Houston Rockets provides a perfect example. In the contest, Kyle dropped 38 points, hauled down seven boards, and collected four dimes. It is worth pointing out that he did not miss a single shot in the first half, going 9-for-9.
What is more is that the 38 points represent a career high for Kuzma. However, what is just as impressive is that Kuz is only the second Lakers’ rookie ever to string together such a stat line via Spectrum reporter Chris Palmer (courtesy of Newsweek writer Emily Gaudette).
Kyle Kuzma is the second Lakers rookie in 55 years with at least 38 pts, 7 rebs, 4 asts. Magic Johnson is the other.
— Chris Palmer (@ChrisPalmerNBA) December 21, 2017
When Kuzma is mulled over in further depth, it is easy to think that scoring is his lone attribute. Thankfully, numbers like the seven rebounds suggest otherwise. It proves that the 22-year-old is not a one-trick pony.
As a matter of fact, Kuzma has tallied eight double-doubles thus far. This is not too shabby considering he is not the most chiseled, robust man in the world.
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Arguably the most interesting thing about his season is that he has been putting up numbers quietly. Given that the media tends to still gravitate toward Lonzo Ball, Kuzma can be forgotten about. It is relatively weird because the latter has outperformed his teammate on various occasions.
Let alone that, it is strange Ball still gets all the love since Kuzma fits perfectly into today’s small-ball era. Kyle’s combination of size, footwork, and shooting is unique as he consistently manages to use each of those to his benefit.
Patrick Redford of Deadspin further unpacked what Kuzma’s valuable skillset means to the Lakers in a recent article.
"Kuzma’s ability to provide both pacing and size is critical for a Lakers team with a point guard who is unable to make a shot. Ball’s shooting has been a matter of intense scrutiny, and while it’s improving, it’s still not, say, good. Kuzma is both willing and able to chuck it, and watching him play, what stands out most is his confidence."
Albeit Ball’s shooting has certainly been unattractive, the 20-year-old is not the only one on the team struggling. That is for sure.
Most notably, a majority of the ball club has been terrible from 3-point range. The team is currently the caboose of the NBA in that respect, knocking down a mere 32.8 percent of their attempts.
Thus, Kuzma has been a relief with the previously stated 40.5 percent figure. To say that he has been a literal sparkplug would be putting it mildly.
The final point Redford makes is extremely difficult to argue against. Despite the fact that Kuzma has only 28 games of professional experience under his belt, the word “confidence” is most agreeable.
He just does not seem to feel that same amount of pressure some of his other teammates undergo. The Houston game is merely one instance where he has shown he is not going to hesitate.
Instead of submitting to fear, Kuzma just appears to have an innate belief in himself that he can do anything. And that is such a welcome sight for L.A. fans.
Interestingly enough, the combo forward expressed this same belief to Lakers’ sideline reporter Mike Trudell after L.A. upset the Rockets. Trudell asked Kuzma if he thought he would make such a dent in the league so rapidly. As transcribed by the Complex’s Chris Yuscavage, Kuzma’s response will make purple-and-gold fans go nuts.
"“Yeah,” Kuzma said, very matter-of-factly. “No problem.”"
While some may see such a comment as boastful, the rookie’s answer typifies the confidence alluded to earlier. There is a definite difference there.
When this game, in particular, is examined, he put that confidence on display more than ever. Without his hot hand, Los Angeles would have likely succumbed to their fourth straight defeat.
It is also feasible to suspect that Kuzma’s answer signifies his approach as a player. That being said, one could say that the ballplayer has a businesslike demeanor and does not care too much about what others think of him.
Said theory aside, there are a few out there whose opinions probably do matter to Kyle. One of those is surely future Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant.
This is likely true on the grounds that the two had dinner together earlier this year. During their encounter, the pair picked each other’s brains when it came to basketball.
On that note, when Kyle’s response to Trudell became viral, it is especially curious that the Black Mamba spoke out about it. In essence, it could be stated that the first year baller got about as good of a stamp of approval as there is.
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) December 21, 2017
The seal of approval clearly indicates that Kuzma is doing something right. In tune with this, it exemplifies that he is not one who fits into a complacent type mold. He illustrates precisely the opposite.
Granted a single Tweet may seem petty, viewing it lightly at this point is silly. It unveils something potentially greater about Kyle Kuzma, something more profound than most are able to surmise.
For one, Kobe is generally not the kind of guy who dishes out compliments. Let’s get that one out of the way.
The flexing symbol, though, is particularly riveting due to its very nature. It hints at this desire to constantly keep at it—to continue to work. Bryant was (and still is) an individual who maintains such an unwavering attitude.
Ergo, to direct such a message at Kuzma is pretty special. One could infer that Bryant must see a tiny bit of himself in the young man.
Given that Bryant was a star in this league for a long time, it causes one to think if Kuz is similarly on his way to stardom.
The notion of stardom is tricky simply because Kuzma is only in his first year. Nevertheless, Kyle Kuzma is easily the steal of the draft—easily. To say otherwise would be blasphemous.
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It is scary to think about how good he may be in three years or so. Watch out NBA because Kuzma is just getting started.