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Los Angeles Lakers: How Kyle Kuzma can be a major factor in the playoffs

By Addam Goldman

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 19: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after making a three point shot during the first half of a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Staples Center on November 19, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 19: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after making a three point shot during the first half of a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Staples Center on November 19, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Kyle Kuzma’s Weaknesses

Kyle Kuzma has spent 89 percent of his playing time at the power forward position this season. In theory, Kyle Kuzma should thrive at the 4. He should be able to pull opposing power forwards away from the rim and abuse them with his superior foot speed on the perimeter. Also, at 6’8,” 220 pounds, he should be able to hold his own on defense against his assignment.

Often, theories are proven wrong (Scientists theorized that the Earth is flat for hundreds of years). The Kyle Kuzma power forward theory has been completely and utterly debunked so far this season.

Kyle Kuzma can’t use his superior foot speed on offense to blow by opposing power forwards because he’s one of the worst high volume three-point shooters in league history. The numbers are damning:

  • 2018-2019: 30 3P% on six attempts per game
  • 2019-2020: 30 3P% on 4.5 attempts per game

The recipe on how to guard Kuzma in halfcourt situations is known throughout the league, and it’s very easy to follow: Stand three feet off of “Kuz” to reduce his explosion to the rim and let him shoot from deep if he wants to.

Kyle Kuzma got stronger in his upper body over the offseason, but it seems he forgot to work out his legs and butt. The former Utah product still doesn’t have the lower body strength to guard other bigs.

Every time Kuzma finds himself on the low block guarding a post up attack, he gets bumped off balance onto the back of his heels, and before he’s able to gather himself to jump and get a hand up, his assignment has already shot the ball.

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