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Los Angeles Lakers: 5 Realistic expectations for the 2019-2020 season

By Ethan Temkin

TORONTO, CANADA - MARCH 14: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands for the National Anthem prior to the game against the Toronto Raptors on March 14, 2019 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - MARCH 14: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers stands for the National Anthem prior to the game against the Toronto Raptors on March 14, 2019 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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4.) Kyle Kuzma becomes a Sixth Man of the Year candidate

Kyle Kuzma was one of the few bright spots for the Lakers these past few seasons. Starting out as a little known 27th pick in the 2017 draft, Kuzma quickly cemented himself as one of the best young players in the league.

With the addition of Anthony Davis at the power forward spot; Kuzma’s optimal position, it would appear that he’s being set up for a sixth-man role, where he can come in and provide a scoring punch against second-units. It’s been suggested that the Lakers should consider slotting Kuzma at the 3-spot with LeBron starting at the PG position, but this creates a less than ideal defensive lineup to start games with.

In fact, moving to sixth man role could prove to be beneficial to Kuzma, as it would highlight his scoring strengths while masking his defensive issues. He’ll also probably still be in the closing lineup as the Lakers will most likely go small with Davis at Center, allowing Kuzma to slot in at the four, with Danny Green and LeBron James at the 2/3 positions, and one of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Avery Bradley, or Quinn Cook at that last guard spot.

Last season Kuzma averaged 18.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists on a Lakers team with little to no offensive identity, and constantly in turmoil. Let’s compare these numbers to last season’s Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams, who averaged 20 points, 3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists.

With the addition of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, William’s role on the team will most likely be reduced, and as a result, his numbers will take a hit, whereas Kuzma’s role on the team will increase due to a lack of scoring on the Lakers second unit, and the fact that he’s still only 24 years old and still has room to grow as a player.

Although Williams did all of this in 26.6 minutes as opposed to Kuzma’s 33.1 minutes, it’s safe to say that Kuzma is still capable of averaging similar numbers in reduced minutes if he’s going up against generally weaker second-units, and ostensibly playing alongside at least one of James or Davis.

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