After a breakout season that culminated with a selection to the NBA All-Rookie First Team, the Los Angeles Lakers challenged Kyle Kuzma to make a considerable leap forward in his second year. He went into the offseason focused on improving regardless of how free agency would ultimately unfold.
When the Lakers signed LeBron James, Kuzma was among the team’s young players who put an emphasis on ensuring they were a strength next to the three-time champion, not a liability. Part of the maturation for Kuzma initially entailed playing center in a small-ball lineup.
He struggled to adjust to the role and the Lakers were out-rebounded more times than not when going small.