Los Angeles Lakers: Kyle Kuzma learning from NBA Playoffs

Even though the Los Angeles Lakers missed the playoffs this season, Kyle Kuzma is learning a lot from watching the playoffs this season.

As the NBA Playoffs enter the Conference Finals, the Los Angeles Lakers continue to watch from home. While the Lakers would have liked to reach the playoffs this season, that was going to be a difficult task in the Western Conference.

However, the young core of the Lakers was able to get a lot of valuable experience in the regular season. As a young team, the Lakers will hope to reach the playoffs next season after what could be an important offseason.

One of the players on the Lakers that is using the playoffs to his advantage is rookie Kyle Kuzma. After a great rookie season, Kuzma has been watching the playoffs and seeing how the best teams in the league get it done. Recently, Kuzma talked with Chris Broussard on his podcast. Here’s what Kuzma said via Matthew Moreno of LakersNation.com.

"“I don’t think you can watch the game as a fan anymore, once you’re a player. You’re just so into getting better and improving, that you’re locked into the game with a coaching mindset. For me, watching the playoffs has been a big experience. I’m learning so much from the game. It’s a completely different game from the regular season to the playoffs.”"

With four teams left, there are certainly a lot of great players still to watch and learn from in the both conferences. In the West, the matchup that many were expecting has taken place, as the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors have met in the Conference Finals. Both of these team are loaded with superstars, and seeing how the elevate their games in the playoffs in something that Kuzma can learn from.

In the Eastern Conference, LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers are squaring off with the Boston Celtics. Despite not having two of their stars, the Celtics continue to find ways to win with their young core of talent. Also, James is playing some of the best basketball of his career so far in the playoffs.

Next: 5 Possible outcomes for the Lakers this offseason

For the Lakers and Kuzma, reaching the playoffs next season is a realistic goal for next year. Even though he isn’t getting experience from playing in the playoffs this year, Kuzma seems to be learning quite a bit from watching on television.