The Los Angeles Lakers went through a lot of changes this offseason, and after failing to reach the playoffs last year, they are one of the contenders for the NBA championship this time around.
One of the best players in Lakers’ history, Kobe Bryant, knows why the team decided to keep Kyle Kuzma and exclude him from a blockbuster trade with the Pelicans.
“Probably his versatility and I think the game used to be about having specialists on the floor and I think it’s gotten away from that,” Bryant said. “They have guys that can play all facets of the game. That includes offensively and defensively. And defensively, he has the potential to be a great defensive player. That’s probably one of the things they looked at as well on top of the shooting ability, the passing ability, and just his size. Yeah, you put it all in the pot and I think it made him indispensable.”
Kobe Bryant on @Lakers keeping Kyle Kuzma
“His versatility…His shooting ability… His passing ability. It made him indispensable.” pic.twitter.com/QKB26CFI4z
— REAL 92.3 LA (@Real923LA) September 4, 2019
The Black Mamba thinks that Kuzma is a versatile forward who can play multiple positions. However, Kuzma needs to improve on the defensive end, even though his offensive skills are exceptional for a young player.
In his second season with the Lakers, Kuzma averaged 18.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game in 33.1 minutes. If he improves his defense in the upcoming campaign, there is no doubt that Kuzma will become one of the best forwards in the NBA.
