Lakers News: Lonzo Ball is set to return; who it helps, who it hurts

HELPS — Kyle Kuzma

Kyle Kuzma may be helped the most by Lonzo Ball’s return as the chemistry the two men showcase is undeniable as is Ball’s direct impact on Kuzma’s performance. Kuzma has been great this season and that should not be taken away, however, a big component of that success that a lot of people have overlooked has been Lonzo Ball.

Has Kuzma been bad since Ball has been off the court? Absolutely not. However, he has not been as good as he was with Ball on the court; the stats are undeniable.

Since Ball has been out Kuzma is averaging 12.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and is shooting 41.1 percent from the floor. That is all under Kuzma’s season average of 15.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. When Ball last touched the court, Kuzma was averaging 16.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.

Ball and Kuzma have that chemistry that impacts both men; Ball can lead Kuzma to the open spaces and Kuzma can get Ball the assists that he is looking for. Without Kuzma Ball would not be as good, without Ball Kuzma obviously is not as good.

And while it is not a huge difference, it is noticeable. Kuzma has less great nights and has more nights scoring less than 10 points. With Ball on the court, Kuzma was scoring in the double digits on a nightly basis.