Kuzma needs to stop worrying about scoring. That is the biggest problem with his game right now. He's too focused on being the Lakers 20 PPG scorer off the bench that he forgets that you can do other things to help that would make the Lakers a far better team. When Kuzma is fighting for rebounds, our team looks energized and begins hustling. He's LeBron's height so he should definitely be able to grab rebounds consistently. Defensively, Kuzma has to understand that if he can turn into a lockdown defender, the Lakers will have no problem beating Paul George/Kawhi/Giannis/Harden/KD etc., No one is asking him to be an elite defender but being able to clamp down some of these players for a few possessions makes it more difficult for them to get their game going especially when we can throw KCP+Bron+AD+Caruso+Danny Green on them as well. In fact, this will help his PLAYER VALUE because the Lakers would gladly pay Kuzma if he can do the intangibles and we win rings. But if he is more concerned about scoring 20 PPG and being an 'Instagram influencer', then his game won't translate to what we need him to really do.
I’m keeping my expectations low on Kuz. Is he capable of playing great? Sure but at this point it’s all about the team and fitting what we need. Honestly the lack of Rondo will probably help his game a bit offensively. It’s the D that is all important. He’s improved there but will need to step up a lot against teams with great wings like the Clippers.
I agree. Play decent defense (which he is capable of) and get hot at the right time. You know he's going to have one of those scoring explosions, which is great; he just needs to be able to score consistently behind Bron and AD. Someone has to - it's either him or Dion.
I thought he was pressing a bit on offense but saw some things I liked. Everyone gets a huge initial benefit of the doubt from me given everything going on.
Kuzma reminds me of the old Michigan J. Frog cartoon. This short animation describes Vogel bragging on Kuz before the scrimmage.
I know someone who knows Kuz and he relayed to me from him to relay to all of LB: I got this, you'll see .....
Some people would tell you it's a fine line between cutting edge and looking stupid. Kuz is not even in the vicinity of that line.
Kuz was on fiyah in the first half of today's game!! Great to see his three point shot look so smooth again!
