Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma recently commended San Antonio Spurs skipper Gregg Popovich.
Los Angeles Lakers third-year player Kyle Kuzma has been putting in work over the course of the summer in preparation for the upcoming season. Kuzma has gotten the opportunity to get extra reps given his participation in Team USA’s training camp.
Perhaps to no surprise, seeing Kuzma investing time in the gym is just the type of guy he is. Ever since he came into the league, he has consistently demonstrated an inquisitive demeanor. The sheer fact that he is doing what he is doing reflects that spirit in terms of wanting to amplify his game.
Thankfully for Kuzma, his time with Team USA has appeared to be more than invaluable thus far. Let alone the opportunity before him to make the team for this summer’s FIBA World Basketball Cup, he has been learning a thing or two from one of the greatest coaches ever.
One particular coach Kuz has been under the tutelage of is none than San Antonio Spurs legend Gregg Popovich. Suffice to say, the Lakers’ third-year talent seems to be enjoying every minute of it up to this juncture.
Quite frankly, it is difficult to blame Kuzma as far as being starstruck in a sense. Popovich is, by far, one of the best coaches in the history of basketball. His brilliant tenure with the Spurs has come with five world championships along the way.
While he is still a relatively young player, Kuzma understands what Popovich’s career consists of. He knows who Pop is and idolizes the coach due to his winning prowess.
Kuzma recently made his thoughts on Popovich known through a report on USAB.com. As transcribed by Maximo Gonzales of Lakers Nation, the 6’9” baller conceded that Popovich is his favorite coach ever.
"“He’s my favorite coach of all time. Growing up, I’m a hoops junkie, watching a lot of the Spurs teams and he’s won. He’s won at every level he’s been at. So, to be here and learn, to be around him, it’s really great.”"
Certainly, receiving the chance to learn from anyone who has been around hoops is noteworthy. However, the Spurs’ dynasty leader obviously stands out from the crowd. Since the turn of the century, Popovich has played a tremendous role in showing the NBA world how true team basketball is meant to be orchestrated.
Additionally, as Kuzma mentioned, it is even more significant because Popovich has “won at every level,” indeed. Very few coaches in any sport can boast the type of success Pop can.
Thus, factors of that caliber naturally shed light on why the longtime skipper has earned so much respect from his peers. Fortunately for the 24-year-old Laker, he has the perfect opportunity right now to pick up knowledge from one of the best minds the sport has to offer.
Gonzales transcribed what Kuz hopes to gain from his time under Pop’s wing, so to speak.
"“A little bit of everything. He’s been around the game for years and years and years, so I want to be a sponge. Not just Pop, we have Jay Wright here, Steve Kerr, so many great coaches. To learn from everyone is going to help me out tremendously.”"
Kuzma’s feelings toward the Team USA staff are definitely sensible. Besides Popovich, Steve Kerr carries a plethora of championship experience as a player and coach.
That being said, one could draw up the argument that Kuz truly has a once-in-a-lifetime type opportunity before him. It is more than impeccable timing for him to exercise his curious disposition. Doing so could very well prove to be worth it in the time to come.
Without a doubt, the Lakers’ young prodigy is facing a fair quantity of competition. He is not necessarily a given to make the final roster when all is said and done.
Whether Kuzma makes the team or not, though, the value behind being a part of Team USA’s training camp is immeasurable. Given the Lakers’ championship aspirations, anything he manages to pick up along the way could come in handy when it really matters.