Kyle Kuzma is out to prove that his performance during the Summer League, which earned him an MVP award, was no fluke. During the last four preseason games, the 22-year old rookie averaged a team-high 19.5 points. This only proves the NBA general managers’ views in a recent survey – the Los Angeles Lakers have made one of the biggest steals in the 2017 NBA Draft. “KUUUZ!” as Lakers fans chanted, Kuzma has a very promising career ahead of him.

High basketball IQ

One of Kuzma’s weapons is his ability to read the opponent’s defense. By constantly moving without the ball, he is able to get that one crucial step ahead of his defender for a layup or a thunderous jam.

As what Magic Johnson envisioned, expect the Lakers to outrun their opponents every opportunity they get. This is where Kuzma plays better, as he can run baseline to baseline and knows how to finish a play.

And that is why we always see Kuzma’s version of “Showtime Lakers.” Some now believe, Kyle Kuzma has a high basketball IQ and according to former Rise Academy head coach Vin Sparacio, Kuzma “wasn't a great defender, a great shooter or a great ball-handler,” but he has “that special feel that's hard to teach.”

Offense and defense

On a setup play, Kuzma’s surprise attack has caught a lot of helpless defenders off guard. If he cannot overpower his defender, he launches a floater. Put a slow defender on him and he’ll use his first quick step to get past his defender on post-up plays.

What’s more, a number of times Kuzma has shown he can finish strong ambidextrously, and he’s able to drain three-point shots.

But while Kuzma is a sight to see on offense, it’s a complete reversal when it comes to defense, or so some basketball analysts believe.

Some attributed his lack of defense to his short wingspan of 7’0”. As a 6’9” power forward, Kuzma has not registered a single block during the first four preseason games though he made three steals.

Coming off the bench

Lakers head coach Luke Walton has seen Kuzma’s thirst to learn and his desire to continuously improve his basketball skills.

But with Brandon Ingram and Julius Randle starting at the 3 and 4 positions, respectively; will there be a chance we can see Kyle Kuzma at the starting lineup anytime soon?

According to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, Walton remains open to the possibility of having Kuzma become part of the starting lineup. But the Lakers coach would rather have Kuzma come off the bench and retain a strong scoring punch. With Kuzma playing alongside Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance, Jr. and the rest of the second lineup, expect a 48-minute “Showtime Lakers” spectacle.
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