Kyle Kuzma had a rookie season for the Los Angeles Lakers that was more fun than functional. The 27th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft surprised everyone but himself by landing a spot on the All-Rookie First Team, but his defensive struggles prevented him from positively impacting wins and losses. Such is life for most rookies.
This season is different. Kuzma is no longer found money where the organization can afford to take a “beggars can’t be choosers” approach toward their expectations for him. He’s now an integral part of a team that aspires to a deep playoff run and needs to become a much better defender than he was as a rookie.