Kyle Kuzma Says He Won’t Mind Coming Off Bench For Lakers This Season

By Jonathan Sherman
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Updated: August 9, 2019

The Los Angeles Lakers have a lot of new names and faces on the roster this season, and it’s surely going to take some time for them to find the ideal rotation.

Luckily for them, Kyle Kuzma is willing to be quite flexible. In fact, Kuzma spoke with Shams Charania of The Athletic about his willingness to come off the bench if necessary.

“Bench, whatever, I’m still going to get my game off regardless,” Kuzma told The Athletic. “My past two years, I’ve come off the bench every single year. I just proved myself and made it known that I’m a player. A coach’s job is always to put the best players on the court, and that’s what I’ve showed the past two years.

“I’ve started the year coming off the bench, and just prove myself. I’m always going to find my way no matter who’s on the court. I think every time I step on the court, I’m one of the better players on the floor. For me that’s always been my mentality. I’m never worried about things that I can’t control.

“My mindset develops every single day being around guys, having a relationship with LeBron [James]. That gives me more confidence, the wisdom that he gives. Being around Magic Johnson and Kobe [Bryant]. Everybody. It grows and grows, matures and creates that mindset that defines you.”

Last season, Kuzma averaged 18.7 points per game, a career high. While there is a high likelihood that Kuzma will end up starting for the Lakers, his willingness to contribute off the bench if necessary is a great sign that he is focused on team success rather than padding stats.

It’s that kind of selflessness that is going to help the Lakers achieve their ultimate goal this season. That goal is to win an NBA title.