Pippen had a slower developing shot...not as deadly. Kuzma is a hair quicker on the floor and could separate better from defenders. Kuzma however is not the finisher that Pippen was at the rim. Can't really think of another player comparable to Kuzma. Earlier, I thought Batum but it's looking like he is or could be even better.
I just don't want to see the typical coaching idiot thinking they need to reel in the rookie BS. Luke better not mess up his rhythm. Rookie wall is a myth. Besides, Kuz is a seasoned rookie. He is 22 years old. The age players use to come in at and play very well. Let the kid play and use him. You need him.
Baller Nuff said. But against rugged PF's, he's going to get abused. Hopefully he can dish out his own variety of abuse, but we need some bigger guys at that position too.
I agree, on the boards. But scoring we can defened, if we're smart. We've been doubling the ball down low. He just has to make them run (down the court and to the 3 point line). He did a good job rebounding last night, but I don't expect that most nights. If he averages 7 - 8 I'm happy. I'm guessing he'll be closer to 5 - 6. But we need 10 out of our PF since Lopez isn't a good rebounder. That's where we're really gonna miss Junior.
Kuzma reminds me of tmac before he became an all Star, kuz just really needs to work on his ball handling even more so that he can take it to another level. Kuz is right now more of a spot up shooter that can finish and has footwork. Once he masters that ball handling to a Paul George type ( remember PG in high school and college was a PF with okay handles, got better every off season) he will be an all Star
Went back and read the entire thread. Fun. @therealdeal went the entire spectrum there. So happy he had to. We have the steal.
Funny the first little motion clip below looks like Zo is not appreciating what Kuz is showing him about something on the floor. Zo must be jealous. Ship his a** out. Kyle Kuzma is impressing the Lakers with his leadership and energy https://www.silverscreenandroll.com...s-kyle-kuzma-news-starting-lineup-kuke-walton What the hell slow morning and long time to 6:30 tonight so with only having read the first 15 or so comments on the article here's the rest: THERE ARE 47 COMMENTS. It's all about touch and fit Kuzma looks so good and is the real deal because he has it and is showing amazing touch, even when he misses. This gets amplified by the fact that he actually fits perfectly in Luke’s system which really is kind of the Spurs system with adjustments. Lonzo fits it that way too but is lacking touch which he could get just by pushing the pace more at all even when not getting stats like in the Detroit game. You don’t need to make all of them to be a threat to make some of them Posted by Glaughin on Nov 4, 2017 | 3:19 AM About Dlo With Dlo too. It does suck to trade away young talent for nothing but cap flexibility. Especially his kind of talent which tracks to being a pseudo but not as good Steph curry or more likely cj McCollum type. But Dlo was and is a bad fit in this current Lakers system despite having touch. In fact, how good his touch is masks how bad his fit was. Randle is in the same boat. Both are supreme talents that just don’t fit the system. Maginka just want to establish and back the system over the parts. Build a system first then integrate players rather than build a system around players. Or so it seems anyway. Posted by Glaughin on Nov 4, 2017 | 3:23 AM I still can’t believe how good Kuzma is. We couldn’t tell he was for real when he dominated Summer League; but when he showed that advanced footwork in pre-season vs NBA talent, I felt like we just found our Manu Ginobli. That feeling gets stronger after each game. The thing that amazes me is how fluid he is in his movement. He’s hyper aggressive but nothing feels nervous/rushed like Ingram does when he’s charging to the basket. He doesn’t seem to be the type of rookie a team can just scout and figure out because he has moves and counter moves at all three levels. The exciting thing is we have him locked in for four years at around $9.5m. Nine Point Five. Total. For FOUR YEARS! That has to be the greatest bargain in the NBA. We’ll pay the same amount in the first half of this season to Luol Deng. If he keeps this up, Kuz will make a large multiple of his salary in endorsements. Very excited to find out what his ceiling is over the next four years. Give this kid 30+ minutes and let him work! Posted by Kilgary on Nov 4, 2017 | 3:26 AM same he is only going to get better. I dont think they knew what they had on draft night, but it doesnt matter. He is a Laker now. Posted by cgun on Nov 4, 2017 | 8:10 AM Kuzma might even be our most valuable asset. I can see several teams calling about trades and wanting Kuzma over Ball or Ingram. I hope Rob Lowe snaps on his shades and tells them to get lost on all three fronts. Posted by deadmuse on Nov 4, 2017 | 12:47 PM One thing I always look for in young players Ability to change speeds on the dribble. A big reason that Smooth Kuz’ looks so smooth is that he goes from 0 to 60 and back to 30 like a seasoned veteran. Posted by The Prince on Nov 4, 2017 | 9:27 PM Thou shalt not mention Manu Ginobli, nor Tim Duncan Behind me Spurs, behind me C Bags, behind me Detroit, behind me! Sorry. I still hate. Posted by 99bc99 on Nov 4, 2017 | 9:44 PM If Kuzma is pulled from the starting line-up, I will probably lose it I know its one game, but the chemistry with ball is undeniable. Posted by kenkoy92 on Nov 4, 2017 | 4:34 AM I think he’ll earn the role while Larry heals and won’t give it up The only fear is Larry won’t look good playing with JC and Randle off the bench. Posted by Kilgary on Nov 4, 2017 | 9:03 AM Larry might end up trade bait. Posted by LadyAlannya on Nov 4, 2017 | 3:09 PM Yep. Watching the Laker Film Room breakdown, you see how Larry knows when and how to make the right plays on defense while Ball is still learning and making mistakes. Larry is smart and he’s a hustler. The problem is whatever mental block he has that won’t let him shoot. That could make him filler in a Deng salary dump trade for Mirotic. Posted by Kilgary on Nov 4, 2017 | 4:13 PM I'd prefer to send them Zubac if they're willing. They make almost the same money this year. If we’re not also sending a pick, then it might have to be both Larry and Ivica if it’s not Randle. Posted by deadmuse on Nov 4, 2017 | 6:44 PM To get rid of Deng, I'd trade Zu, Randle, JC and now LNJ I always wanted to keep LNJ because he is a glue guy. Still do want to keep him, but getting rid of Deng while not sending out a pick is top priority and probably worth giving LNJ. Deng, Zu and Randle for Monroe and Vaughn Deng, JC, Randle, Zu and LNJ for Favors, Joe, Exum and Neto The only high one-year contracts available. Posted by kenkoy92 on Nov 4, 2017 | 10:08 PM He’s Ball’s TJ Leaf. Posted by The Prince on Nov 4, 2017 | 9:27 PM Kuz and Lopez for D-LO Everyday. I’m tired of talking about this trade now. This is now my automatic reply to any whining. Posted by Bradford4thewin on Nov 4, 2017 | 5:18 AM Was an excellent trade Lopez and Cap Flex were excellent acquisitions, throw in Kuz and dump Moz and this trade was a steal. Posted by hoopdude on Nov 4, 2017 | 7:25 AM then why bring it up? Posted by OC guy on Nov 4, 2017 | 10:35 AM This is now my automatic reply to any whining. But this isn’t a reply to anything… Posted by SuperBaes on Nov 5, 2017 | 12:19 AM So, your automatic reply, to nothing (as pointed out) is to spam nonsense? That’s not even the actual, effective trade that happened. It just empowers Team Petty when they see that people have to lie to themselves, over and over, to justify the trade in their minds. And it’s not just you. Posted by Raison d'Basketball on Nov 5, 2017 | 6:12 AM Team leading 39 minutes. The reserves looked seriously depleted when he wasn’t there. It is a bit of a puzzle whether he’s more needed with the starters or the reserves, so apparently the answer is he should play with both. He’s getting a gold plated opportunity to show everything he has to show, and I frickin love it. Posted by imperabo on Nov 4, 2017 | 8:27 AM 39 is too much long term. Hoping he’ll average in the low 30’s Posted by Kilgary on Nov 4, 2017 | 9:04 AM Why? Posted by imperabo on Nov 4, 2017 | 10:34 AM Just adding, Kobe played 41 MPG at Kuzma’s, age, and repeated that many times. You could speculate that contributed to the ending of his career, but overall it’s hard to argue that it reduced his total career value. Posted by imperabo on Nov 4, 2017 | 10:40 AM I want him to stay healthy for 82 games. I don’t know if there’s such a thing as "safe" minutes because you can get hurt like Kawhi on a freak play at any given moment; but 33-35 minutes seems to be the sweet spot. Posted by Kilgary on Nov 4, 2017 | 3:02 PM Top superstars don't play 39 minutes a game anymore. Posted by Jaired K. Link on Nov 4, 2017 | 12:45 PM Lebron Posted by Pharaoh_of_Denial on Nov 4, 2017 | 5:17 PM The last 2 players to average 39 minutes a game were Kevin Love and Luol Deng. And that was in 2011-12. Posted by Jaired K. Link on Nov 4, 2017 | 6:33 PM Real deal! I’ve been a lurker on this site for years but this kid, Kyle Kuzma, made me come out of the wood work. This kid is the real deal! Great job by the scouting department. Posted by Joe315 on Nov 4, 2017 | 11:18 AM Kuz will get even better...right now he is still figuring out ways to attack the basket.. Has every tool they can give a player…just 2 things to work on for him to reach all star level offensive production. 1) if you notice most drives are taking one dribble and getting to the hoop.. yes he can finish either side or either hand but he needs a little work on dribbling and taking his guys off the dribble… he has the skill and quickness so its just work… 2) Just keep working on his jumper..with his perfect form… he will get better and better over the next couple of years…. i thnk he has all star/ #2 on a team level talent and will get there…. as long as we dont stunt his development and he works hard in the off season Posted by myk307 on Nov 4, 2017 | 11:18 AM Melo 2 with defense Posted by manny680703 on Nov 4, 2017 | 11:38 AM Gravity Love the flow and spacing on the court when Kuz is with the first unit. After he hits a couple of shots, you can see his gravity increasing as other Nets plays drift over to try and help out. That’s how BI ends up with a wide open dunk off of Kuz’s pass, BI’s man went over to help as Kuz beat his man (DLo?). The net effect is that the court is spaced for shooters and slashers. With Jr, his lack of offience results in his man cheating off of him and clogging the lane, or doubling the ball handler. For all you DLo fans, many of the Laker highlights are direct results of his poor D. He guesses wrong on PnR, and Lakers end up with open shots or drives to the lane. You can see every Lakers eyes light up when DLo switches onto them. He id better offensively this year, but his D still sucks! Posted by Goofcat on Nov 4, 2017 | 2:09 PM Very Impressive I also think Josh Hart was also a great pick. But Kuz has the largest upside. Lonzo too but his lack of shooting and finishing at the rim is frustrating. Once he improves on this end we are going to be dangerous. His mid jumper is the most reliable. Ingram, Randle, and Clarkson have also been impressive. They have really stepped up defensively! I wouldn’t mind keeping them all but if we can get Lebron or PG, then I would part with either of them. Either way, I am really enjoying the way we are playing for the most part. Especially defensively. I don’t think anyone saw that coming. Posted by The Big Dipper on Nov 4, 2017 | 2:12 PM The fact that Hart isn’t in the G-League right now is a victory Offensively, Hart seems to run hot and cold; but he brings defensive intensity every night. I hope one day soon Hart’s minutes will start creeping up as Brewer’s minutes tick down. Posted by Kilgary on Nov 4, 2017 | 3:08 PM Brewer's expiring might be trade bait for a 2nd. I don’t think he ends the year (season) as a Laker. Posted by LadyAlannya on Nov 4, 2017 | 3:11 PM One can hope, And considering our youth the 2nd is better in a couple of years. Posted by maleko on Nov 4, 2017 | 3:30 PM I think a pick for Brewer is a fantasy Brewer has so little offensive skills left. I think he’ll be this year’s Calderon: at his request, we’ll buy him out and let him join another team. Posted by Kilgary on Nov 4, 2017 | 4:15 PM Agree I quite like Hart and think he I said a solid long term bench rotation player. Kuzma is great. I groaned when he was picked but was encouraged when I looked into him in depth. Summer league was more than I hoped for and current season so far is awesome. Posted by maleko on Nov 4, 2017 | 3:32 PM in 4 to 6 weeks which is what Nance's timeline for returning is, he will no longer be the starter That time frame is going to be huge for Kuzma. Kuzma is showing what I’ve wished both Randle and Nance showed in their game. He might also make it that much easier of a decision when it comes to Randle’s contract. Posted by The Lakers' Future on Nov 4, 2017 | 4:00 PM so fire Posted by turdsandwich on Nov 4, 2017 | 5:27 PM if Kuz start with 30+ minutes - he will be ROTY his # will be better than Ben S. Posted by balamat on Nov 4, 2017 | 5:35 PM was Worthy our last ROTY? I know it doesn’t matter but it would be awesome for a Lakers player to get ROTY Posted by The Lakers' Future on Nov 4, 2017 | 6:38 PM Simmons is averaging close to a triple double. Simmons: 18 pts, 9.8 rebs, 8.2 ast, 1.6 stl. Even if Kuzma averages 20 pts and 11 reb, Simmons looks more impressive. Posted by deadmuse on Nov 4, 2017 | 6:41 PM Let's be real: Simmons has that award on lock unless he goes down to injury. Posted by Jaired K. Link on Nov 4, 2017 | 6:53 PM Under normal circumstances Kuzma would be at the top of the race. But Simmons is benefitting from the Blake Griffin-effect, where some second year player can come in and just claim rookie status despite being way ahead of all of the actual rookies. Posted by The Prince on Nov 4, 2017 | 9:34 PM This guy is a way better rookie than Ball, Russell, Randle, and Ingram Way, way above any of those guys. Posted by The Prince on Nov 4, 2017 | 9:25 PM Someone lock this guy in a gym with Kobe Bryant over the All-Star break. How’s he going to start the All Star game if he’s locked in a gym with Kobe? Posted by SuperBaes on Nov 5, 2017 | 12:24 AM Randle is 5th in shooting percentage in the NBA And I think playing with Kuzma (known as "2K" in my living room) has been a major factor. For sure, Randle has improved his game (again) in the off-season, but the spacing Kuz provides allows him to play bully ball. This team has some noice pieces. Posted by Firewalker23 on Nov 5, 2017 | 9:03 AM
Major props to SeasonVet24 for calling this real early after having seen a lot of Utah games. Page 2 of the thread. :Headbang:I was smitten after watching this clip as well. Just looked so coordinated and fairly athletic along with both hands capable, great looking release and running left and right old school hook shots.
I don't know about Tmac. Tmac was hyper athletic and was well on his way to Kobe-esque levels of talent before his injury. Kuz to me almost seems like what Lamar Odom would be if LO was motivated and consistent every game. Obviously not quite the same build and handling ability, although it's quite decent for his size, and Kuz maybe a better shooter, but the size and skill combination is what relates it for me.
Kuz = poor man's Melo Anthony. I saw him post someone up in Summer League and he had the exact same high dribble.
Who comes to mind when I watch The Kuz: 1. Athletic Robert Horry 2. Shareef Abdur Raheem 3. Body type like Lorenzen Wright
The dreaded "leadership" regurgitation cliche response. Maybe it's because he is ballin like a champ.
While I agree 13 is probably not going to be his average, he is really smart and has a very high basketball IQ. Because of that I think he will be in the right position more often than not. I could see him getting 8 or so a game.
He reminds me of Horry a lot as well. I'll remind you that a young Horry was even more athletic than Kuz. But what is similar is they both are smart players, they both just get it, they both have a knack for fitting with whoever they are playing with, and both have a big shot maker ability.
Athletic Rober Horry with more of a scorers mentality and better play making potential is the perfect description to me.
