Agreed, but remember he played hurt. He had back spasms during the game and he had been playing with a sprained thumb for a week. He had to sit the next game because of the back spasms. It's too bad he couldn't get it done in the Portland game (though to be fair that put back was not offensive interference and if it hadn't been called that might have turned the game to our favor down the stretch).
The thing I like about his work on the glass is that he seems to get contested boards not just give me off FTs and with no one else around. He's got a knack this year of getting them in traffic
and he could easily average 20/7/4 on a bad team, just like a lot of our exports have. but he's bought into the limited role. and gets hate for it. because of his hair.
Overall ,Kuzma improved a lot this season , the game slowed down for him. He became WAY too 3pts trigger happy when Lebron went down but somebody had to try to pick up the scoring slack so at least he didn't hide. Still had to better understand when it's his night or not ( the semi transition 3 at Portland down 3 while he was 1-10 from the field drove me crazy). He's right , his look/dressing style makes him easier to hate , I'm not going to lie here
he missed Lebron on a drive when James was open on the baseline and in the first half took a rushed 3 but otherwise I thought he was very good. He's slowly morphing into the KCP/Caruso/Matthews type of championship role player.
He was one of the few who were trying from the beginning, he got some big steals to stop even bigger runs, attacked the boards, played some excellent defense, very good game. Shooting will come and go, but you can always give effort.
Didn’t show up on the boxscore, but Kuzma played a huge role in our 2nd half run. He’s gonna have some key moments in the playoffs going forward.
So good to see those high elevation and extension running hooks and drop ins of his again when he has a line.
Kuzma has been a ghost for some time now. No longer hustling for boards, doesn't even look to take any shots, rarely cuts to the basket. This dude hasn't been the same since his injuries. Lakers will need Kuzma to step it up if they want to win a title. And Kuzma needs to stop playing like he has no energy out there.
He played good defense and man he can get you some tough boards. That being said you got to be able to hit wide open 3s in the playoffs: if the Lakers are going to beat these 3 pt barrage teams like Dallas/Utah/Nets you got to be able to hit your open shots.
Maybe he'll feel more confidant being able to have access to his closet and his barber in LA for game 3.
Kuzma is due a good game and its at home the next two games. Role players always play better at home.
