Kyle Kuzma’s injury led to a different defensive philosophy that has worked wonders.
For the Los Angeles Lakers casuals that complain about Kuzma’s individual production, they constantly miss what Kuz brings to the small ball lineups that was “Plan A” this season.
Kyle Kuzma’s role would be playing small with Kuzma flanking AD and LeBron in order to run teams off the floor much like the offensive scheme of last year. However the strong combination of Dwight Howard and JaVale McGee, combined with keeping Davis happy at power forward for the majority of his minutes, has hurt Kuzma’s plans more than expected.
If the Lakers want to be a championship-level team, they will have to adapt and be willing to play different styles without missing a beat in the playoffs. Kuzma helps the Lakers maintain versatility and the ability to match up with whatever type of lineup an opponent throws at them potentially in the postseason.
In short, Kyle Kuzma provides options. The coaching staff has to find the one that works.
On the offensive side of the ball, Kuzma’s skill set as a scorer is actually better playing next to LeBron and Davis than what most experts claim. He’s improving from the 3-point line as his ankle has, especially from the corners.
His best attribute has been attacking closeouts, driving in and around the paint. Plus find another player on the roster that can keep up in transition with LeBron and Davis when this team is playing at its best in the open court. Remember these guys combined for 72 points against the Clippers on Christmas Day.