Los Angeles Lakers: Why a youth movement should be embraced

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 11: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the LA Clippers on April 11, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 11: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the LA Clippers on April 11, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Kyle Kuzma

If you ask any Lakers fan before the season if they thought that Kyle Kuzma would have a significant role on the team when he was drafted with the 27th overall pick, they would have said no.

I’m willing to admit that even I had no idea who Kyle Kuzma was heading into last year’s draft. He played well in the Las Vegas Summer League but I still had my doubts. He played well in the preseason and I still had my doubts. He played well in the regular season and it was there that I stopped doubting Kyle Kuzma. This dude was for real.

Kuzma also averaged 16.1 points and shot 46 percent from the field. His ability to get hot and make big shots along with the electricity he sends throughout the stands inside Staples Center is something that should be noted.

Having a guy who is confident in his abilities as a scorer and is not afraid of the big moments is a great thing to have. The fact that the Lakers were able to snag a guy like that with the 27th overall pick in the draft speaks volumes to the level of scouting that the Lakers are able to achieve.

Kyle Kuzma is the type of guy that when the other players are struggling, or they need a big play down the stretch, he can come in and make an impact and be the difference between winning and losing.

Kyle Kuzma is the kind of player that reminds me of another big-time player who used to wear the purple and gold for the Lakers. I’m sure we all remember Mr. Big Shot, Robert Horry. Well, let’s now meet the new and improved modern-day Robert Horry, Kyle Kuzma.