The 2 role players that can save the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 5

2. Kyle Kuzma

This one is more concerning as Kyle Kuzma has been in a fairly large slump for the Los Angeles Lakers in recent weeks and the chances of him flipping the switch might seem slim to none. However, if there is one thing we know about Kuzma it is that he is volatile and he could wind up playing great in this game.

The key with Kuzma is that while he is extremely important with Anthony Davis out, he cannot know that he is extremely important. If Kuzma gets that into his head he is going to start playing hero ball, taking shots that he should not be taking. It won’t be fun.

The Los Angeles Lakers do not need him to score 25 points in this game. Schroder should be scoring more than Kuzma. What the Lakers need from Kuzma is his rim-running ability and efficiency, both at the rim and beyond the arc.

If Kuzma can score 15 points on 5-7 shooting (3-4 from beyond the arc, 2-3 from two and 2-2 from the free-throw line) then the Lakers will be in good shape. Anything on top of that, as long as Kuzma is staying efficient, is icing on the cake for the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Lakers need Kuzma to be efficient and they need him to use his athleticism to not only help in the rebounding battle but to help wear out the Suns as well. Get physical with Chris Paul and Devin Booker when switched, get into Deandre Ayton’s head, do something to be a pest and not just go out and shoot 5-13 from the field and run around for 25 minutes.

The Los Angeles Lakers need Kyle Kuzma more than ever in this game. Hopefully, he can deliver.