Los Angeles Lakers: 3 areas for Kyle Kuzma to become elite

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 29: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers passes the ball away from Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game on October 29, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Lakers 124-120. 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. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 29: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers passes the ball away from Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game on October 29, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Lakers 124-120. 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. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images

Consistent shooting

The first step for Kyle Kuzma becoming a star is consistent shooting. An example of how inconsistent he can be at times was displayed in early January. On Jan. 7, Kuzma had 13 points on 4-of-20 shooting against Dallas. Two days later he had 41 points against Detroit on 16-of-24 shooting in 29 minutes.

Kuzma shot only 30% from three-point distance in his second season. Some of this is attributed to simply missing shots he can make, and the other half is shot selection. At times, Kuzma can be trigger happy. This isn’t the worst thing in the world, as that’s what makes him the dangerous threat he is. He is always ready to score.

A healthy LeBron James and the additions of two great bigs can make his looks a lot easier. Kuzma felt that he had to score for the Lakers to succeed in his first two seasons, he has no reason to believe that now. This should make things easier for him, as he won’t feel that pressure.

Overall from the field he did shoot 46%. The number is respectable considering he takes a ton of jump shots. From inside the three-point line he shot an efficient 55%, after shooting 51% in that category as a rookie.

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