He was taken with the 27th pick of the draft and in 5 preseason games with the Lakers, he's averaging 19.2 points on over 56% shooting in just 27.8 minutes, hitting 36.7% from deep (taking 6 triples per game). It's just preseason, but he never scored more than 16.2 a night in college (Utah) and was a career 30.2% three-point shooter there. Legit player?
looks decent but hes on a very bad team so well see how his play translates into the regular season. he seems pretty solid from what ive seen so far though
I hear Patrick Fertitta was against the Lou Williams for Brewer+Pick trade, because he wanted to keep our FRP for Kuzma.
spoke to a hardcore fakers fan friend over the summer about his new players... "F*** lonzo, i'm more excited about this kuzma kid -- he can ball!"
It will really kill the Big Baller Brand narrative when Kuzma wins Rookie of the Year over Ball. Fingers crossed.
He was a stickout in Summer League also and now in pre-season, I'd say he's the real deal and not a Summer League phenom. He's in a great situation on a young team with Lonzo there, not sure what his upside is going to be All-Star? good player? but the Lakers will be a great showcase for him.
Wasn't high on him at Utah but he's been playing above pretty much everyone's expectations so far. No idea what to expect against real competition though...his skillset wasn't ever that great to me
I've only seen highlight clips, but a couple thing really stood out... he has great length as well as seemingly good skills. He isnt some athletic freak like greek freak or Durant, but he does have a good frame and plays tall. IF his shooting % from deep isnt a fluke, Kuzma might be the real deal.
From the highlights, he looks like a legit player. Don't think he'll shoot 56% for the regular season but mid 40% is possible. Very smooth with his moves. Doesn't try to overpower folks. Don't know how reliable the floaters and hook shots are but the fact he's currently hitting them is Tony Parker-like.
My brother "called" him on the draft day, saying he would be good with the "you heard it here first" statement as well. So I'm obligated to say he is not a legit player.
Honestly, I'd take him over Ingram in a heart beat. And I wonder whether the Lakers see something like that too. Took him in both my fantasy draft leagues in the last round, so really hoping he balls out this season.
He has been better than Ingram. It's just been preseason but not many 27th picks will get you the numbers he has been getting. It's not about the totals but more about efficiency.
