Los Angeles Lakers legend James Worthy says Kyle Kuzma needs to know his role

Speaking on the topic of being a second or third option, James Worthy had some firsthand advice for Los Angeles Lakers wing Kyle Kuzma

For some Los Angeles Lakers fans, Kyle Kuzma‘s development has been frustrating. What fans need to remember, though, is that Kuzma’s career to this point has been defined by role adjustments and new-look rosters nearly every season.

Now in his third year, Kuzma has played on a team headlined by Lonzo Ball, a rare non-playoff LeBron James team, and a team headlined by two of the games best players in James and Anthony Davis.

Lakers legend James Worthy thinks that Kuzma is starting to figure things out. Speaking to Danny Green and and Harrison Sanford of Inside the Green Room, Worthy was candid with his evaluation of Kuzma.

"“I start to see him understand his role a little bit, start getting his rebounds, start playing defense. So I think he was close, man. He was close to getting to the point where he could be a little more efficient, a little more consistent…”"

Worthy understands what it’s like to be an ancillary piece on a highly successful Lakers team. Worthy, a first overall pick, had every right to feel entitled with his role on the team. Instead, he looked at where he could have the greatest impact and walked away from the game as a 7-time All-Star, 3-time NBA Champion, 1-time Finals MVP, and a Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer.

He sits at sixth in all-time Lakers points and ninth in win shares, averaging 17.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 12-year career, all spent with the Lakers.

Not a bad list of accomplishments for a supporting role-player.

His prime years were spent with Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar leading the way, not ever really getting the sole spotlight.

"“…let it go. It’s LeBron and AD, know your role, play your role. I did it, and look at all the accolades I got. I could have gone to another team, the Clippers, and I could have been the man like Dominique. But you just have to be patient, and I think patience is good for him, understanding that no, you’re not the guy. Yes, you’re a great scorer, fit into the team and everything else will take care of itself.”"

Worthy would close out his discussion on Kuzma with a moment of praise and acknowledgment, saying, “Sincerely, Kuzma’s getting there.”

Worthy is absolutely right. Kuzma, especially with the makeup of this roster, can make his way by leaning into a supporting role that leans on the space created by the gravity from James and Davis. When he can, he should be decisive and move as a primary option, but those options aren’t going to come frequently with the way this team game plans.

Kuzma will have fewer opportunities when the team is led by two perennial All-Stars. What he needs to focus on is accepting the ancillary role and upping his efficiency. In the postseason when Davis and James command even more attention, the chances to step up for players like Kuzma increase. He just needs to be ready.

Worthy’s words are wise nuggets of advice from a star who was able to make the third-option into a Hall of Fame career.