Tier Two:
Kyle Kuzma:
33.5 Minutes, 17.5 Points , 6 Rebounds, 3.5 Assists, 35% 3-point
Kyle Kuzma improved upon his rookie season in the NBA, going from 16 and a half points per game to over 18 on a nightly basis. His 3-point percentage took a hit in his sophomore year though, and the Lakers are hoping that won’t be a trend this season.
Kuzma also showed that he’s more than just a scorer on offense, by increasing his assists per game averages throughout the season. Although he may not be a part of the starting unit for the Lakers, Kyle Kuzma will still receive quality minutes.
With the loss of Lonzo Ball, he’ll look to play-make this season even more than he did the last. His scoring will take a slight hit, but that’s simply due to the influx of talent on the roster. After LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Kyle Kuzma is the clear-cut best option for the Lakers on the offensive end. His efficiently will improve and he’ll outperform all the youths that were dealt in the Anthony Davis trade this past season.
Danny Green:
31 Minutes, 10 Points, 3 Rebounds, 1 Steal,1 Block, 46% 3-point
Danny Green has never been a stat sheet stuffer, nor will he ever be. What Danny is, however, is a great three-and-D option and a winner. I.e. Green defends the perimeter extremely well and shoots the 3-point shot at a high-level, contributing greatly to team win shares.
Green may have found himself the best on-court situation of his NBA career by having two of the league’s most dominant players in the paint in LeBron James and Anthony Davis, allowing the 3-point line to open up for him. He’s a great shot blocker for a guard and his 3-point percentage could be the highest in the NBA this season.
JaVale McGee:
22 Minutes, 10 Points, 6.5 Rebounds, 1.5 Blocks, 60% FG
JaVale McGee had a career year last season and it’ll be interesting to see how he adapts to playing alongside the best big man in basketball, Anthony Davis. McGee seems like a lock to begin the season in the starting lineup playing the center position, especially following an ACL tear to DeMarcus Cousins.
He played 22 minutes per game last season, and he should expect that to be the case yet again this season. McGee was all alone in the paint last season, which gave him the room to score 12 points, grab over seven rebounds while swatting two shots per game. He won’t be relied on to do as much this season as the last, but he’ll remain a key piece and effective player for the Lakers.