Los Angeles Lakers: Three things to watch for against Portland
By Jason Reed
2. A big night from Kyle Kuzma
Julius Randle has been playing out of this world the last few weeks for the Los Angeles Lakers. Randle is coming off of back-to-back 25-point games and is averaging 20.6 points and 8.4 rebounds in his last ten games played. This hot streak is the result using Randle as the team’s center alongside Brook Lopez.
However, on Monday night, Kyle Kuzma is going to be the one with the big night. Kuzma started against the Spurs at small forward, filling in for an injured Brandon Ingram. Kuzma did okay, scoring 11 points and snagging eight boards. With Ingram sustaining a left groin strain, expect Kuzma to be the starting small forward for the next several games.
Injury Update: Brandon Ingram, who was injured in Thursday’s game at Miami, underwent an MRI at UCLA Health Sunday which revealed a left groin strain.
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 5, 2018
Ingram will be re-evaluated in approximately one week. pic.twitter.com/enQL00dBMK
Expect a big night from Kyle Kuzma that we have not seen since his 23-point performance against the Pelicans on Valentine’s Day.
Kuzma has a good track record against the Trail Blazers this season. In the two games played against Portland, Kuzma is averaging 20 points on 44 percent shooting. With the Trailblazers’ focus on the backcourt and Randle, Kuzma will be able to capitalize and give the Lakers yet another 20-point performance.
And at the end of the night, we will all be saying that Kyle Kuzma was the player of the game.