Kyle Kuzma
This time last year, I don’t think Kyle Kuzma could have imagined being in this position. With LeBron James having joined the purple and gold alongside Kuzma, it looked as if the two players would be fixtures in the Lakers starting lineup for a long time to come.
So much can change in 12 months.
Through no fault of his own, Kyle Kuzma can expect to play a large part of the season in a 6th man role for the purple and gold.
With Anthony Davis now a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, the purple and gold have the second superstar to join LeBron James. With Davis being one of the best players in the league and playing the power forward, that kind of leaves Kyle Kuzma as the odd man out.
While Kuzma can expect to see a lot of minutes this season regardless, he can’t be too happy about the demotion to the bench.
Kuzma last season in the starting lineup averaged 18.7PPG. Not bad for his sophomore outing. So why will Kuzma beat the likes of Derrick Rose and Lou Williams to the 6th man crown?
There are a few reasons.
With his demotion to the bench, you are going to get motivated and pissed off Kuzma. You can bet with Kuzma’s work ethic he is going to fight tooth and nail to get back into the starting line-up.
With Kuzma’s inclusion with Team USA this summer, it is bound to affect how he plays this season. Some of the best players in the league such as LeBron James and Kevin Durant were able to get to the next level after spending time with team USA.
Being surrounded by the best of the best of your peers, working against some of the best players in the league while being coached by the best coaches in the league allows for players to make a significant leap in development.
If this is the case with Kuzma, then the NBA better watch out.
Finally, with Kuzma getting most of his minutes against opposing teams 2nd units, you can bet that Kuz is gonna cook.
Kuzma is a potential All-Star in the making, he has the skill on the offensive end to put teams to the sword. If he rises to the challenge of being the 6th man, you better believe he is going to be in with a real chance of stealing the 6th man of the year crown from Lou Williams.
Only time will tell who wins the award.
Can D. Rose complete his fairytale comeback?
Can Lou Williams cement himself as potentially the greatest 6th man ever?
Or can Kyle Kuzma get to that next level and strip the King of his crown.
We will find out soon enough.
Let the games begin.