Los Angeles Lakers: Areas in which the Lakers key role players can improve

Kyle Kuzma – Consistency

To say this season has not gone the way Kyle Kuzma expected it would is an understatement. Kuzma came into the year expecting to be the Lakers 3rd star. 20ppg was considered a realistic output from the Flint, Michigan native. Alas, Kuzma has taken a step back this season and is averaging 13.2ppg, the lowest output of his young career.

A lot of factors could be to blame. An injury during the summer while playing with Team USA has been to blame. Not starting every night as Anthony Davis is playing the same position has been to blame and simply not getting a solid training camp and preseason under his belt has also been to blame.

With the halfway point of the season gone by, there are no more excuses for Kyle Kuzma. With Championship or bust expectations, if you are not able to step up and be the 3rd star the Lakers need then it might be time to consider Kuzma’s future with the Lakers.

Kuzma has shown an ability this season to put it all together and during these games, Kuz is a flamethrower. When it is clicking, Kyle Kuzma looks like he can’t miss. For such a young player, he has a developed offensive arsenal. He’s capable of scoring in the post, mid-range, and the 3-point line. Kuzma would be the 3rd star the Lakers require if he could just do it on a nightly basis.

Maybe Kuz is too young and inexperienced to step up to that 3rd-star role. Going from lottery-bound each year to Championship or bust is a jarring change of pace.

The ideal scenario is for Kuz to turn things around after the all-star break. If he can do this and score at a good clip the Lakers will be in a great position to make a push for the Larry O’Brien trophy.

This year could be the Lakers year, it is essential for the role players on the Lakers to step up and be heard. Now is their time to push for a role in the playoffs.