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Los Angeles Lakers: Three Boom-or-Bust Players

By Jon Soden

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 13: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the first half of a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Staples Center on January 13, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 13: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the first half of a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Staples Center on January 13, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. Kyle Kuzma

Contrary to when he was drafted 27th overall in the 2017 Draft, expectations are high for Kyle Kuzma heading into the season. After failing to land Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving, or D’Angelo Russell (and following the injury to DeMarcus Cousins), many Laker fans are hoping to see Kuzma develop into the third star of the Lakers, behind LeBron and AD.

Kuzma is an offensive talent, to say the least, who has averaged almost 19 points last season.

However, there are many questions Kuzma needs to answer to prove that he can take the Lakers to the next level.

First off, Kuzma needs to improve his defense. Even though he seems to be a capable defender at times, critics have gone in on Kuzma for his struggles.

While he is a very tall, lengthy player, his body type does not translate well for defense. He might be tall, but he is a relatively skinny player, who ways only 220 pounds, compared to his six-foot nine-inch height. He is tall enough, but simply not strong enough to battle in the post with forwards.

And against smaller, quicker guards, Kuzma has not shown the ability to stay in front of his man consistently.

While there are concerns, there is also hope. Kuzma has shown signs of improvement from the summer. He has visibly put on a lot of muscle and has also had his defense complimented by players over the summer, including Donovan Mitchell, who was playing with Kuzma on the USA team.

Offensively, Kuzma has shown the ability to make tough shots and create for himself. This season, his season may be greatly affected by the easy offensive plays. Will Kuzma be able to knock down open threes and run the floor for easy baskets?

Even though Kuzma is a solid scorer, he is a volume shooter (and not shy about it either).

Kuzma had an awful year shooting the three last season, shooting 30.3% on six shots per game. This will simply not cut it this year, especially with how many open threes he will receive while playing alongside LeBron and AD.

Once again, there is a reason to be optimistic. Kuzma has reportedly been working tirelessly on his shooting, and it seemed to show off in his short stint with USA Basketball. Additionally, he has been training with the Instagram famous trainer “Lethal Shooter,” who has praised Kuzma’s efforts.

Kuzma will have a decent season next year. His version of a bust would be coming off the bench and not finishing games.

But if he is able to pick up his defense and knock down his shots, Kuzma truly does have the potential to turn into the Los Angeles Lakers’ third star and make the Lakers’ championship aspirations come true.

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