Los Angeles Lakers: 3 things we want to see in scrimmage vs. Wizards
By Jason Reed
1. More of Kyle Kuzma from the second scrimmage than the first
One of Kyle Kuzma‘s biggest problems this season has been his inconsistency. There have been nights where Kuzma looks dominant in scoring the basketball and cannot miss and is ready to blossom into the Lakers’ third star.
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Then there are nights — which there are more of these nights — where Kuzma’s struggles from beyond the arc and on defense are highlighted. He is the most frustrating player to watch as we all know how good he can be.
We saw that version of Kuzma in the scrimmage against the Orlando Magic as he was shooting lights out from the field. Kuzma made 10 of 13 attempts, five of seven were from three, scoring 25 points in 30 minutes of action.
Expecting this version of Kuzma every night just is not fair and that is not at all what Kuzma needs to give to the Lakers. However, if he can shoot the basketball more efficiently, like against Orlando, in a smaller usage rate then that would be perfect for the Lakers.
He also did not hurt the team on the defensive side of the basketball. He did not shine in any way, but it was not the showing against the Dallas Mavericks in which Luke Doncic went around him like he was a traffic cone.
More high-effort defensive stands and efficient shooting is what will make Kyle Kuzma the Lakers’ third-best player. Hopefully, he can string together another solid game to gain momentum heading into the games that matter.