When it comes to the Los Angeles Lakers, almost all eyes are on the 2017 second overall pick Lonzo Ball. Many people are watching Kyle Kuzma, who continues to perform exceedingly well for the purple and gold franchise. On Monday, Kuzma again provided a better outing than Ball in a 113-107 defeat to the Denver Nuggets.
Kuzma came off the bench and played 29 minutes in their first game facing the Nuggets this preseason. He recorded 23 points, including 11 in the final frame, to lead all scorers for the Lakers. The 22-year-old also had one rebound and two assists.
Meanwhile, Ball had an excellent start but in the second quarter hurt his left ankle (mild sprain). He saw action in the second half before leaving in the fourth quarter to receive treatment. The former Chino Hills and UCLA star finished with eight points, two rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block.
Kuzma also had a better scoring night than Ball in the Lakers' preseason opener versus the Minnesota Timberwolves last Saturday. He was also the leading scorer as he tallied 19 points. In that contest, Ball struggled with his shooting and managed to score only five points, though he had seven rebounds with eight assists.
There is no competition between the Lakers rookies, but it would be great if Kuzma gets recognition.
So far, he is the best performing newcomer for Los Angeles. He remains consistent, while also showing signs of improvement.
Ball is good
As mentioned, Ball injured his ankle in the second quarter when he accidentally stepped on the foot of Nuggets point guard Emmanuel Mudiay. The good news for him and the Lakers is he seems okay.
"Sprained ankle, I’ll be alright," Ball said following the game according to ESPN. It is uncertain at this point if he can participate in today's practice and join the team when it takes on the Nuggets for the second time on Wednesday.
Brandon Ingram unimpressive
One of the young players expected to emerge for Los Angeles is Brandon Ingram.
However, in two preseason games, Ingram has been unimpressive. In the Lakers' first preseason outing, he just dropped 10 points. On Monday, Ingram contributed only nine. If this trend goes on for the 20-year-old, he will fail to live up to Magic Johnson's expectations. In the offseason, the Lakers president of basketball operations said he wants Ingram to average 20 points in their new campaign or else he will be disappointed. Ingram still has time to better his offensive production before the regular season begins.
