Big time! He's really become a solid player on both ends of the floor, which seemed like a stretch. And he's improved at setting the table for others too. He's just a very valuable guy to have on our team. Nice to see him step up and get better.
All things considered, talent and usefulness on this team, Kuz is better than Hart, Zubac, Julius Randle, and Lonzo. Really glad we kept him, and aside from Ingram the best talent we have had. Potential to be invaluable in a couple of games. Is contributing and a becoming a vital part of the team. Even survived the Siren like call to destruction of the Kardashian that sends many many men crashing out of the league.
Kuzma finally understands that this game is not just about scoring . He was scoring 6ppg more last year... and? He now scores, what... 12-13? But he's twice the player he was last year, seriously. Look at that defensive impact! He now plays like Ariza played for us... but better. That's how you become an important contributor on a championship team.
Totally agree Karacha. Great points. He's truly grown up in front of us in that regard. So good to see. His D has become invaluable and he's not forcing the issue as much on offense. He's a more versatile scorer than Ariza was as well. Still needs to improve his Bball IQ to get to where Ariza is defensively but he's getting there. When he starts to anticipate and jump into passing lanes then we'll have the icing on the cake. But I'm thrilled we hung onto Kuz - he's got a great contract and he's turning into that third guy for us that we need. Impressive stuff from him and he's fitting the team concept.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podca...on-rockets-lakers/id986595124?i=1000490373005 Lowe really enthusiastic about Kuzma's defense particularly his rotations off the ball
He was excellent, he’s looking more poised all the time, really hope he can bring that vs the Clippers. There was a play late into the 4th, maybe 4+ mins left, he sprinted down court with the ball, we’re up like 30, I was just hoping he doesn’t take it to the hoop and try to show them up more, possibly risk injury or sole fighting. But, he dribbled back out and slowed it down, passed the ball around, he knew the situation, it was good to see.
Kuzma has been steady. Just disappears into the team fabric but really does the intangibles. Dug his recent comment about who is supposed to be the opponent...does not matter who it is...just who is in front of them. Important mindset to our "chemistry" which isn't an excuse we throw around as a crutch.
Kuz needs to continue to be the great team player he has been and continue to play consistent as he has. Kuz has time to improve.
It's going to hurt Kuzma's market value but the Lakers absolutely play better when we aren't forcing Kuzma to be a scorer and to just let the game come to him. The Lakers have found scoring elsewhere so Kuzma being that third scorer for us isn't as important as it seemed earlier in the season. You are 100% correct with his intangibles. He's making the right plays and not forcing any shots. I'm glad we kept him right now... he seems to be developing into a more consistent and instinctive player.
Kuzma has the length to be a very good defender which he has been to his advantage. He has been key in defensive perimeter rotations and switches onto wings or shooting guards. The ball seems to find him off cuts and in open space on breaks. Injury free and relaxed.
