Let's discuss: Which young Lakers player is the most important?

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ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 26: Kent Bazemore (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

The case for Kyle Kuzma:

Jason Reed:

Kyle Kuzma is probably the most well-liked of the three young stars on the Los Angeles Lakers. Kuzma has been a pleasant surprise coming out of the 27th overall pick. If it were not for Donovan Mitchell, Kuzma very well would have been the best sleeper of this year’s draft class.

However, despite his popularity amongst the fans, I think it is safe to say that the common consensus is that both Ingram and Ball have higher ceilings. And that makes sense, they are both second overall picks and look to be franchise building pieces.

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But Kyle Kuzma is doing something that neither could do in their rookie year. Kuzma is averaging 15.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game in route to a likely All-Rookie First Team inclusion. Ball likely will fall on the second team, if he even makes that and Ingram was on the second team as well.

I get it, the ceilings for Ball and Ingram can still be regarded as higher, though. One season alone does not make Kuzma more valuable. But who is to say that he will not progress this fast either? If Kuzma progresses at a natural rookie rate he easily could be a 20 points per game scorer next season.

Plus, Kuzma is the cushion that softens the potential loss of Julius Randle and may even force Randle to play center if he returns. However, Ingram is a roadblock in acquiring another small forward like Paul George or LeBron James and Lonzo Ball’s outlandish father could lead to future repercussions.

Next: The Lakers most important remaining games

Kyle Kuzma may not be the first name you think of when you think of franchise building pieces, but it should.

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Let’s discuss: Which young Lakers player is the most important?

By Isaac Gutierrez | Feb 28, 2018

The case for Kyle Kuzma:

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