Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma came back at the media for circling the rumor that he is unhappy with his role with the team.
“That’s more media people trying to push it,” Kuzma said to reporters this week. “But I’m just being me.”
Kuzma has seen his role reduced in his third NBA season. The 24-year-old has started just seven games in the 2019-20 season after starting 68 last season.
In addition, Kuzma has seen his numbers decline across the board.
This season, he is averaging just 12.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game, which is nowhere near his production of 18.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game from last year.
While Kuzma certainly has felt the effects of superstar Anthony Davis being added to the fold, he isn’t worried about his numbers or shots per game dropping.
“I’m honestly, I don’t even think about that and I don’t even care about it,” Kuzma said. “It’s all about this team game and that’s how we approach it. Obviously, I can score and get my own bucket but we’re just trying to play the right way.”
The Lakers will need Kuzma to be on top of his game if they want to make a run at an NBA title this season.
Recently, Lakers head coach Frank Vogel praised Kuzma, saying that the forward has “dominated” at practice since coming to the NBA’s bubble in Orlando, Fla.
The Lakers resume their season on July 30 against the Los Angeles Clippers.
