Kyle Kuzma: I see myself on the same level as Jayson Tatum

[SpacelySprockets]

this was always a dumbass comparison to begin with as was him being better than lonzo as a rookie... the nikka got drafted at 22 of course he would be more developed and closer to a finished product than dudes that got drafted at 19, yet people ran with it as if he was baby kobe

 

[Professor Emeritus]

He’s not Tatum but he’s much better than what he’s showed. Another example of a talented player being forced into a catch and shoot guy for an aging Lebron

Dumb hot takes that even Kuzma doesn't believe.

In the 45 games he's played without Bron on the court since 2019, Kuzma is averaging 17.8ppg on 43% shooting and 31% from 3pt range while failing to distribute the ball effectively and showing frequent lapses on defense.




This is Kuz in 2019: Kyle Kuzma says ‘of course’ it’s ‘harder’ for him to score with LeBron James out

In the absence of LeBron James, the hope was that the Los Angeles Lakers would step and show why they’re regarded as one of the more exciting young cores in the NBA. So far, that hasn’t happened.

Not only are the Lakers are 4-7 without James, but no one has emerged as a legitimate number two option to James, either. The closest thing they have to that in terms of scoring ability is Kyle Kuzma.

In the 11 games the Lakers have played without James, Kuzma has averaged a team-high 21 points on 41 percent shooting from the field and 24.6 percent shooting from behind the arc. While he’s technically averaging more points per game, his efficiency has taken a nosedive.

Andrew Wiggins is the only other players averaging at least 20 points per game on a less efficient rate (39.1 percent) over the last 11 games. In a word, he’s been bad.

In the games before James got injured, Kuzma was shooting 48.1 percent from the field and 31.3 percent from the 3-point line.

Kuzma was just as disappointing this year. In 23 games without Bron this year he averaged 15ppg on 42.6% shooting and 32.7% from 3pt, while continuing to be an underwhelming distributor and show lapses on defense. He was also wildly inconsistent - after Bron went out he scored 20+ seven times but also scored in single digits 9 times including two 4-point games (2-11 in 33 minutes and 2-7 in 27 minutes).

 

[Mr swag]

Kuzma is Kelly obrue will less opportunities

 

[Sugar]

.

 

[cornercommission2k12]

Yea and I studied under Bruce Lee


He was on the 4th floor I was on the 3rd

Smh

 

[Squirrel from Meteor Man]

Dumb hot takes that even Kuzma doesn't believe.

In the 45 games he's played without Bron on the court since 2019, Kuzma is averaging 17.8ppg on 43% shooting and 31% from 3pt range while failing to distribute the ball effectively and showing frequent lapses on defense.




This is Kuz in 2019: Kyle Kuzma says ‘of course’ it’s ‘harder’ for him to score with LeBron James out





Kuzma was just as disappointing this year. In 23 games without Bron this year he averaged 15ppg on 42.6% shooting and 32.7% from 3pt, while continuing to be an underwhelming distributor and show lapses on defense. He was also wildly inconsistent - after Bron went out he scored 20+ seven times but also scored in single digits 9 times including two 4-point games (2-11 in 33 minutes and 2-7 in 27 minutes).

Just because Lebron is out doesn’t mean the offensive scheme changes. The entire system is based around Lebron dominating the ball and getting guys shots. Kuzma is rarely given opportunities to come off screens, post up, or display his skill set. He’s not a great player but he’s better than what he’s been able to show so far

 

[VegasCAC]

Just because Lebron is out doesn’t mean the offensive scheme changes. The entire system is based around Lebron dominating the ball and getting guys shots. Kuzma is rarely given opportunities to come off screens, post up, or display his skill set. He’s not a great player but he’s better than what he’s been able to show so far

You obviously have zero familiarity with the Lakers' offense

 

[Dr. Narcisse]

Just because Lebron is out doesn’t mean the offensive scheme changes. The entire system is based around Lebron dominating the ball and getting guys shots. Kuzma is rarely given opportunities to come off screens, post up, or display his skill set. He’s not a great player but he’s better than what he’s been able to show so far

Is it Bron or is it when AD/Vogel went to LA? He averaged 19 with Bron that 1st year. However that was under Luke's up and down offense. He'll do better under on a team with less stars thats not focused on defense as much

 

[steph_harden]

He’s not Tatum but he’s much better than what he’s showed. Another example of a talented player being forced into a catch and shoot guy for an aging Lebron

He had 34 games without Bron and AD and put up 9.3ppg on 34% shooting.

His team was desperate for production from him and again the nikka gives them 9ppg on sub 40% shooting.

That doesn’t sound like someone who’s very good to me.

 

[steph_harden]

Kuz has got the most incomplete game I’ve ever seen…and that’s why he’s struggled. It’s like he tried to develop an all around game before he mastered any one skill. He came in as a “shooter scorer” shot pretty solid his rookie yr but never improved then all of sudden he’s trying to be a slasher but he’s not great at that…has no in between game and not a good finisher at rim due to him having average athleticism. So really he just looks weird out there. He’s got heart and crashes the boards nice….but he’s got no bread and butter.

If he developed his shooting alone he woulda been making twice as much as he is now. But nah he wanted to be Jayson Tatum without the talent and skill

 

[Piff Huxtable]

at basketball???

 

[LV Koopa]

see what LWO hype has done to this man's mental

He can't get better being stifled by LeBron either

This is the bullshyt I'm talking about

 

[aceboon]

I'm no defender of Kuz but we're shytting on him for something a media guy perceives? It ain't like Kuz came out and said this.

 

[KevCo]

Pretty sure a laker fan made a thread their rookie seasons about how kuz was better than tatum....that wont age well

 

[Ironman]

I like the confidence in yourself but fukk outta here bruh