Lakers: Ball and Kuzma are one of the best rookie duos of the 2000s

Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma are providing sparks for the Los Angeles Lakers in their rookie seasons. Thus, how do Ball and Kuzma stack against the best rookie duos of the 2000s?

Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka finally are giving the Lakers a foundation to succeed not only now but in the future. Los Angeles, admist their worst stretch in franchise history, has built a young core with key veteran pieces to remain relevant this season. Not only are the Lakers preparing themselves for many years to come, they are giving their young guys winning experience.

That is something the team has not been able to do in the past. Now, with a young core centered around Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma, the future looks bright. The rumored superstar acquisition very well may come to fruition and the Lakers could become contenders for the first time since Kobe Bryant’s Achilles tear.

Kuzma has been the standout in the league thus far. The 27th overall selection in the 2017 NBA Draft is proving to be one of the best rookies in the league. With the starting role now his, Kuzma’s ceiling gets even higher and his status continues to grow.

Then there is second overall pick Lonzo Ball. Although very high expectations may lead to Ball’s performance warranting disappointment, he is the playmaker the Lakers need. Ball has been contributing to every asset in the game and now holds the record for the youngest triple-double. As that shot gains confidence, Ball will become extremely deadly.

Thus, Ball and Kuzma are the best rookie duo in the NBA this season and one of the best since the start of the 2000s. Very rarely do two rookies on the same team thrive, so here are the top five rookie duos of the 2000s.