Lakers Rumors: Kyle Kuzma’s great play causes log jam at power forward

The Lakers did not shock the world in selecting Kyle Kuzma with the 27th pick of the 2017 NBA Draft. However, the latest Lakers rumors are shocking the world.

Kyle Kuzma was one of four prospects selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2017 NBA Draft. First was wonder kid Lonzo Ball, selected with the second overall pick in the draft. Next was Kuzma at 27, followed by Josh Hart at 30 (who was considered a sleeper candidate by many Lakers rumors) and finally Thomas Bryant at 42.

Outside of Bryant, Kuzma was the least anticipated prospect heading into Los Angeles. Ball was already a superstar and Hart showed the potential to have a giant ceiling. With Julius Randle and Larry Nance Jr already in the fray, Kuzma seemed to be nothing more than a depth selection.

That was until he started lighting up the scoreboards in the NBA Summer League. The six-foot-nine power forward averaged 31.3 minutes per game in his six games played. In that time, Kuzma averaged 20.5 points, 5.8 rebounds and three assists per game. Not to mention he shot 48.4% from the field and 45% from beyond the arc.

This great performance was capped off with a Lakers win in the championship game of the Summer League. Despite Ball being out with a very mild calf injury, the Lakers routed the Trailblazers 110-98. In turn, Kuzma was named the Finals MVP after dropping a thirty point, ten rebound triple-double.

If anything, this performance solidified Kuzma’s play as the real deal. Despite thriving in Vegas, many critics were quick to point out that he was the direct beneficiary of Ball’s great distribution. That was true, yes, but Kuzma proved that he could thrive even with Ball off the court.

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Keep in mind though, this is just Summer League. Kuzma is not the next biggest thing, but he is showing signs of being a huge steal for the Lakers.

This solid play is only creating complications at the power forward position. Julius Randle has been in his fair share of Lakers rumors, perhaps being the team’s number one trade chip to get rid of Luol Deng. With Kuzma now in the system, the Lakers may have more cushion to absorb losing Randle’s constant double-doubles.

While Randle is great and all, Kuzma bring a dynamic to the Lakers that was previously lacking. The team is without a true stretch four. However, now, the Lakers have that flexibility with Kuzma to stretch the floor. It may not have been a huge deal ten years ago, but it today’s NBA is certainly is.

Nance will likely remain in his role as a decent backup option. He has shown the ability to explode to the hoop and has a pretty high ceiling himself. The tandem of a stretch four forward in front of a driving menace could create problems for LA’s opponents.

Next: Trades to prepare for Paul George

Overall, Kyle Kuzma’s great play is only causing more Lakers rumors. To find out exactly what the team is going to do at power forward we must wait and see.