1. Pau Gasol would be really valuable to Kyle Kuzma
Pau Gasol’s number one tool at this point in his career is his experience. This experience allows him to serve the role as a veteran leader that can help the younger players on the roster blossom into new stars.
Yes, the Lakers have several veterans that could do that for the young guys, but most are impact players in the rotation who have to focus more on the game rather than mentoring someone such as Kyle Kuzma. The team, however, does have someone in that mentor role in Jared Dudley.
Gasol would be a much better fit to serve as a mentor to Kuzma, too good in fact. Gasol has the perfect experience to help Kuzma blossom into this situation on a title-contending team: he knows what it is like to be the second star.
Now, in this case, Kuzma would be the third star but Gasol still knows what it means to take a step back a bit or to even elevate your game to the next level to contribute alongside that star player. Gasol and been there and done that and can help Kuzma get through the growing pains that we have seen at times this season.
Dudley is great and all and I am sure he fits great as the glue guy, but Gasol’s experience is far more valuable to Kyle Kuzma.