Los Angeles Lakers: 3 players who are on the bubble of the playoff rotation
1. Kyle Kuzma
If you were to say that Kyle Kuzma could potentially miss out on the playoff rotation back just before the season started, you would have been laughed at and mocked by any fan of basketball in the vicinity. Fast forward to today and there is a real chance that Kyle Kuzma might not get any minutes during the playoffs this season.
Coming into the season, Kuzma was considered the Lakers defacto 3rd star. An All-star in the making, Kuzma had shown last season that he is capable of contributing heavily on offense for the Lakers.
With the signing of Anthony Davis, Kuzma was forced into a bench role but this was seen to be an advantage for the purple and gold. A potential 20 point per game scorer in Kuzma moving to the bench could lead to the Laker’s second unit blowing teams out of the water with Kuzma leading the charge.
This has not been the case.
Kuzma’s production has fallen dramatically. His 3-point shot is not falling, he looks disinterested and passive at the best of times and his off the court demeanor is currently outshining his on the court production which is never a good sign.
The annoying thing about Kyle Kuzma is the talent, dedication, and willingness to learn is there, he just can’t seem to turn it into on the court production.
There are numerous reasons why Kuz has not been at his best this season. He missed most off the offseason workouts and training camp with the Lakers due to an injury picked up with team USA.
He has brought in “Lethal Shooter” in order to help with his jump shot and it simply isn’t working. It almost seems that Kuzma is at odds regarding his jump shot. With Lethal Shooter in one ear and Lakers shooting coach Mike Penberthy, Kuz has his wires twisted and the on-court production just isn’t where it needs to be.
Out of the players named, Kuzma has the best chance to make the playoff roster. If Kuzma can find a rich vein of form before the end of the season then it will be as if the Lakers have gotten a brand new player.
When firing on all cylinders, Kuzma is a scoring machine and the ideal 3rd scorer for a team. He can score from anywhere and has the ability to torch teams when he is feeling it. He is an improving defender and willing passer.
Kuzma during this period of isolation should go back to the drawing board and fix what he can.
Next. 3 Players Who Could Lose Playing Time To Dion Waiters. dark
The talent is there, the drive is there, the dedication to be a great player is there. If Kuz can put it all together and soon then the rest of the league better watch out.