Can Kyle Kuzma be a factor in the playoffs?
Who knows how hard Kyle Kuzma’s been working during the NBA hiatus. Perhaps he’s been putting up a thousand three-point shots a day. At this point, though, Kuzma’s three-point problems feel more mental than anything else.
Two seasons ago, he admitted that he changed his mechanics five or six times throughout the season, that’s why he brought in “Lethal Shooter” over the summer. This season he hasn’t improved at all; in fact, he’s regressed.
Every time a reporter asks Kyle Kuzma a question about how he feels mentally, his eyes quickly harden, and he always gives a quick and generic answer about how he doesn’t feel pressure. This is worrying.
If Kyle Kuzma gave a reasonable response, something to the effect of — “of course, I feel a little nervous playing next to LeBron James for the Los Angeles Lakers; any young player would “— there would be no reason to worry about his mental makeup. Instead, Kyle Kuzma’s attitude is similar to an alcoholic who can’t admit he has a problem. Kyle Kuzma’s in full denial mode.
We admire professional athletes for their tangible skills, and we just looked at Kyle Kuzma’s physical strengths and weaknesses, but so much of playing sports at the highest level is mental. If Kyle Kuzma always feels nervous out on the court, then practicing his jumper won’t help. He’ll continue to tighten up at the last second, skewing his shot to the right or left.
In today’s NBA, if a player lacks a consistent jumper than he’s like a bird with only one wing—he’ll never be able to take off, he’ll just stumble around on the ground trying to make something happen.
During Kuzma’s rookie year in the NBA, before LeBron James and all the heightened expectations for the Los Angeles Lakers arrived, he shot 37 percent from beyond the arc off nearly six attempts per game.
He put up those impressive numbers while primarily playing the power forward position (the spot that’s caused him so many problems the past two seasons). Kuzma played with confidence and freedom, which made Lakers fans across the globe salivate over his potential.
Kyle Kuzma, like his former teammate, Brandon Ingram, is an extremely talented offensive player who can also play adequate defense when he sets his mind to it. Brandon Ingram didn’t explode into an All-Star until Rob Pelinka dealt him away from Hollywood’s bright lights. Kyle Kuzma’s also going to get that same type of mental relief once the NBA restarts.
It just so happens that Kyle Kuzma and the Los Angeles Lakers, along with the rest of the league, will play the entirety of the postseason in Orlando. Kyle Kuzma’s going to have to put all of the LA pressure behind him; then, and only then, will he be a huge factor for the Lakers during the upcoming playoffs.