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Lakers Rumors: Seven things to expect during the 2017-18 season

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 23: Magic Johnson, president of basketball operations of the Los Angeles Lakers, general manager Rob Pelinka and draft pick Lonzo Ball talk to the media during a press conference on June 23, 2017 at the team training faculity in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 23: Magic Johnson, president of basketball operations of the Los Angeles Lakers, general manager Rob Pelinka and draft pick Lonzo Ball talk to the media during a press conference on June 23, 2017 at the team training faculity in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 08: Kyle Kuzma (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) – Lakers Rumors
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 08: Kyle Kuzma (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) – Lakers Rumors /

Kyle Kuzma will emerge as the biggest sleeper in the 2017 Draft

Okay, after Kyle Kuzma’s strong performance in the NBA Summer League I think it is safe to say that a lot of fans may be expecting too much out of the versatile forward. In seven games played Kuzma averaged 21.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. Even more impressively, Kuzma was the only player to shoot better than 50% from the field with 80 or more shot attempts.

Kuzma came second only to Caleb Swanigan in shot attempts, attempting 111 opposed to Swanigan’s 112. Yet still, the rookie forward out of Utah shot an incredible 51.4% from the field. This kid looked to be very special, and although it is just Summer League, it is a sign of great things to come.

Yes, the defense played in the Summer League is not as physical and hard pressing as the regular NBA season. It is true that Kuzma will come up against much bigger, much meaner, guys once he steps foot in the Staples Center. However, this kid is a natural-born scorer. His shooting percentage shows that.

The Summer League was not a fluke for Kuzma. Kuzma shot 50.4% from the field during his last season at Utah, adding in a 32.1% mark from downtown. Again, this is not against NBA caliber defenses, but it is more than just promising.

Not many people expected Kuzma to be a huge sleeper pick at the 27th overall selection. In fact, all signs pointing towards Josh Hart being the sleeper. Regardless, Kuzma will surprise a lot of people next season.

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