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Los Angeles Lakers: Kyle Kuzma believes he exceeded expectations

By Nick Ziegler

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 10: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Andre Ingram #20 of the Los Angeles Lakers smile after the game against the Houston Rockets on April 10, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 10: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers and Andre Ingram #20 of the Los Angeles Lakers smile after the game against the Houston Rockets on April 10, 2017 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Kyle Kuzma had a great rookie season for the Los Angeles Lakers. Recently, he talked about exceeding expectations in his rookie year.

The Los Angeles Lakers were able to get one of the best steals in the 2017 NBA Draft, as they selected Kyle Kuzma from Utah. In college, Kuzma was a very good player, and certainly the best on his team. However, he flew under-the-radar coming out of college, as it didn’t appear like too many teams were interested in him, and certainly not in the first round.

Thanks to the pick acquired in the trade with the Brooklyn Nets, the Lakers were able to add a third first round pick to their arsenal. The Lakers would end up using the 27th overall pick on Kuzma, and the selection certainly paid off.

Starting in the Las Vegas Summer League, Kuzma showed that he had the ability to be a special scorer in the league. While there wasn’t a lot of hype surrounding him going into Las Vegas, Lakers fans certainly had their eyes opened by the talented young forward.

Recently, Kyle Kuzma talked with Corey Hansford of LakersNation.com about exceeding expectations in his rookie season. Here’s what he had to say.

"“I think for the most part I definitely felt like it was exceeded,” Kuzma said at his exit interview.“A lot of people didn’t expect me to do all the things I did this year coming out of Utah. I really just wanted to prove I could be at this level, proved I belonged, and over the course of the season I think I did that.”"

Even if Kyle Kuzma was a Top 5 pick this season, he would have probably exceeded expectations. In his rookie season, Kuzma averaged 16.1 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. Even though he did hit what looked like the rookie wall for a little while, he still had a great season.

As a hybrid forward, Kuzma was able to score from both inside and outside the three-point line. Depending on what type of player was guarding him, Kuzma was able to use his skills to create a mismatch.

Next: Ultimate guide to the 2018 offseason

Overall, Kuzma certainly exceeded expectations in his rookie season and should be on the All NBA rookie first team. Kuzma still has room to improve, but it was a great first season for him in Los Angeles.

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