When the Los Angeles Lakers selected Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma as part of their picks in the 2017 NBA Draft, they joined the organization from two separate spheres. Ball had lofty expectations placed on his shoulders, while Kuzma wasn’t nearly as heralded of a prospect.
They quickly forged a strong friendship and when Ball battled injuries during Las Vegas Summer League, Kuzma’s spotlight began to grow. He helped lead the Lakers to a title, earning championship game MVP honors in the process.
Ball and Kuzma carried their chemistry into the regular season, but injuries again interrupted their time together on the court.