When Kyle Kuzma’s role with the Los Angeles Lakers changed last season due to the trade for Anthony Davis, it was LeBron James who issued a challenge to Kuzma about whether he wanted to stay with the team.
“It all depends what you want in this sport, to be honest,” LeBron James said. “… Do you want to score a bunch of points but sometimes it doesn’t really matter or doesn’t make a difference in winning or losing? Or do you want to be a part of something special where you continue to get better, you continue to make an impact and you have a role on the team where you’re playing for something more than the sum of your individuality?”
Kuzma had been a regular starter during the 2018-19 season and had averaged 18.7 points per game that season. One of the reasons that he may have looked elsewhere was because he was in line for a new contract, but he chose to cast his lot with the Lakers.
The end result was that Kuzma ended up being a part of last season’s championship run and then signed a new three-year deal worth an estimated $40 million.
While there are critics who claim that Kuzma’s defense is suspect, he’s able to laugh off such digs and remains focused on helping the Lakers capture back-to-back NBA titles. James is in the opposite camp and has lauded Kuzma’s continued growth.
Of course, the performances of James and Davis will go a long way in determining the Lakers’ fate, but Kuzma’s continued improvement bolsters those chances.
Gilbert Arenas is a self-described fan of Kobe Bryant, but he turned some heads when…
The Los Angeles Lakers have sky-high expectations compared to the lion's share of other NBA…
Amid chatter about the future of 20-time All-Star LeBron James with the Los Angeles Lakers,…
Former All-Star big man DeMarcus Cousins called out former New Orleans Pelicans general manager Dell…
Darvin Ham has had more NBA Cup success than any coach in the league since…
The Milwaukee Bucks captured the 2024 NBA Cup title with a 97-81 victory over the…