will kuzma be an all star for lakers or just a good role player?

[Kilroy]

So... after a rough start he seems to be rounding into shape. Still only 23 minutes a game but his shooting % are ahead of last year across the board. Per 36, which is not that great of a stat, is showing he's off to his best start... at least in that stat.

Where I'd like to see him concentrate is on taking more 2 pointers than 3 pointers. Unlike a lot of "stretch" 4's he shoots very well inside the arc. This year he's clipping along at nearly 60% inside the arc. Last year he was at 55%. If he gets back to the 30 minute area he should track at or over his 18 points from last year. For those who view the entire NBA through the 3 pointer, he's shooting at about 50% over the last 4 from that distance... so I'd say this very small sample is showing he's getting comfortable there as well.

I still say his defense is improved and especially so in the scheme. Not sure we had scheme previously but that's for another thread.

Between Davis and LeBron, (and McGee and Howard, and slashing Caruso and Kcp) we have all the inside the arch scoring we need... Granted, on the second unit, we need just general scoring, but I feel like we need Kuzma to be deadly from behind the arch first and and a cutter or pick and pop guy second.
He has a role to fill and sometimes that's not going to be what's best for him personally... And therein lies the biggest question with Kuz... CAN he be what this team needs from him. So far it's looking positive.
I also think the more his 3pt shot falls, the better his inside game will become, just because the floor will be more open and he'll be more confident.

I'd personally still like to see him working on D as a secondary focus to 3pt shooting... He's still got some big holes in that side of his game. He always looks like he's about to get twisted up on man D, but it's better.

[Landsberger]

So... after a rough start he seems to be rounding into shape. Still only 23 minutes a game but his shooting % are ahead of last year across the board. Per 36, which is not that great of a stat, is showing he's off to his best start... at least in that stat.

Where I'd like to see him concentrate is on taking more 2 pointers than 3 pointers. Unlike a lot of "stretch" 4's he shoots very well inside the arc. This year he's clipping along at nearly 60% inside the arc. Last year he was at 55%. If he gets back to the 30 minute area he should track at or over his 18 points from last year. For those who view the entire NBA through the 3 pointer, he's shooting at about 50% over the last 4 from that distance... so I'd say this very small sample is showing he's getting comfortable there as well.

I still say his defense is improved and especially so in the scheme. Not sure we had scheme previously but that's for another thread.

Between Davis and LeBron, (and McGee and Howard, and slashing Caruso and Kcp) we have all the inside the arch scoring we need... Granted, on the second unit, we need just general scoring, but I feel like we need Kuzma to be deadly from behind the arch first and and a cutter or pick and pop guy second.
He has a role to fill and sometimes that's not going to be what's best for him personally... And therein lies the biggest question with Kuz... CAN he be what this team needs from him. So far it's looking positive.
I also think the more his 3pt shot falls, the better his inside game will become, just because the floor will be more open and he'll be more confident.

I'd personally still like to see him working on D as a secondary focus to 3pt shooting... He's still got some big holes in that side of his game. He always looks like he's about to get twisted up on man D, but it's better.

Depends on the mix on the floor. If it's Bron, Kuz and Howard I'd want Kuz to get some opportunities other than just 3's. I'm wouldn't prioritize anything from KCP or Caruso offensively before Kuzma. If Davis is in the game I'd be with you. So far I'm not sure what to make of Davis' game. I know he's pushing through nagging injuries but he's not that strong in the paint it seems. To Kuz.. he will need to find his way for sure. You can see him struggle knowing if he should cut off the ball or just sit in the corner when Bron has the ball. Gonna take a while there.

Defensively he's at least understanding the scheme and is in position. He's never going to be a tough post defender but he's holding his own better than last year. The bouncing thing you called out is interesting. I scanned back through the last couple games on my DVR and it's there 90% of the time with the other 10% being winded. In scanning those games I only saw a couple complete defensive mistakes from him. No more than Caruso or KCP or even Green for that matter. In fact Green's on the ball defense is good but in the scheme he's getting lost on shooters more than anyone. It's early.... we're 11-2 and have the largest margin in the NBA when I step back and look at it overall. Soooooo.... much better than the last 5 years it's not funny.

[zimpy27]

Kuzma has a 65% ts% over his last 6 games.

He's ranked 20th in the league for ts% over the last 6 game period for guys playing at least 20mpg.

12th in the league for ts% if you don't include Centers.

He's doing it while averaging 1 fga for every 2 minutes played.

[NBAWestFan]

The Laker are good enough to beat some pretty good teams.

Kuzma is still young and not a 3rd star.
He is a role player like a Lou Will

What the Lakers should focus on is Iggy?

Right now the Lakers are not going to beat the Clippers in a 7 game series.

But with Iggy I think the chances go up alot.

[NippySudz]

The Laker are good enough to beat some pretty good teams.

Kuzma is still young and not a 3rd star.
He is a role player like a Lou Will

What the Lakers should focus on is Iggy?

Right now the Lakers are not going to beat the Clippers in a 7 game series.

But with Iggy I think the chances go up alot.

I like the clippers as the favorite but that being said clippers still have a lot to figure out offensively. Lakers seem like they are clicking on all cylinders with ad and LeBron. Kuz is coming along. He's not at potent as Lou will but still.

Right now, the Lakers looking like the better team but the clippers are a work in progress offensively.

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[LAKESHOW]

As ive mentioned before, the clippers defense will be the strongest we will face. Which is why we must diversify our attack. And Kuz and others must knock down shots. During the First game of the year, our shooters were not ready.

[nzahir]

As ive mentioned before, the clippers defense will be the strongest we will face. Which is why we must diversify our attack. And Kuz and others must knock down shots. During the First game of the year, our shooters were not ready.

Green was ready, but thats it

Too much iso posting on AD, we should do it at times but not overkill. Not enough Lebron taking over and pick and roll with AD

Nor were Dwight or Mcgee ready

I still do worry a lot when Lebron sits, I don't think Rondo is the answer

[LAKESHOW]

Which is why i believe we should go out and get Iggy. Then we matchup defenses vs defenses. Late in last nights game, i seen Doc move beverley around, and makes defensive personnel switches often. Taking out the celtics hot shooter. But with Iggy, Doc cant make defensive personnel switches, moving from bron, iggy, Kuz, Davis, etc...we will have too many variations of our offensive attack. Along with the defensive length iggy brings, my vote would be to make a move to Aquire him.

[NippySudz]

Which is why i believe we should go out and get Iggy. Then we matchup defenses vs defenses. Late in last nights game, i seen Doc move beverley around, and makes defensive personnel switches often. Taking out the celtics hot shooter. But with Iggy, Doc cant make defensive personnel switches, moving from bron, iggy, Kuz, Davis, etc...we will have too many variations of our offensive attack. Along with the defensive length iggy brings, my vote would be to make a move to Aquire him.

I'm a casual NBA fan. I don't know x's and O's too well but what I'm seeing is whenever LeBron is out, the offense doesn't run as smoothly. If the clips can neutralize LeBron(and that's a tough task) then they've won half the battle

That being said it's still very early. Trades can be made, guys can start to feel more comfortable in their roles, etc

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[Landsberger]

Guys the legend of Iggy is much different than the Iggy these days. He's not the answer to our "problems".... And I mean problems in that we have the best record in the NBA and the best point differential.

[LAKESHOW]

Well... Iggy 1st day would be our best back court defender.

[snaquille oatmeal]

The Laker are good enough to beat some pretty good teams.

Kuzma is still young and not a 3rd star.
He is a role player like a Lou Will

What the Lakers should focus on is Iggy?

Right now the Lakers are not going to beat the Clippers in a 7 game series.

But with Iggy I think the chances go up alot.

How can we focus on Iggy when we don’t know where he is. Is he in Memphis? The Bay Area? LA? Where does he live? Maybe we should try social media.

[LAKESHOW]

The Laker are good enough to beat some pretty good teams.

Kuzma is still young and not a 3rd star.
He is a role player like a Lou Will

What the Lakers should focus on is Iggy?

Right now the Lakers are not going to beat the Clippers in a 7 game series.

But with Iggy I think the chances go up alot.

I agree. This thing aint gonna be about outscoring and high pointing. When we meet the clippers, its gonna get down, dirty and ugly. The waters are gonna be muddy. The defensive intensity is going to be high. Put the women and children to bed early, cause people will be in peoples face.

Iggy will add more clamps for the battle that lies ahead. I dont see anything or anyone standing in the way of that eventual clash.

[Landsberger]

The Laker are good enough to beat some pretty good teams.

Kuzma is still young and not a 3rd star.
He is a role player like a Lou Will

What the Lakers should focus on is Iggy?

Right now the Lakers are not going to beat the Clippers in a 7 game series.

But with Iggy I think the chances go up alot.

I agree. This thing aint gonna be about outscoring and high pointing. When we meet the clippers, its gonna get down, dirty and ugly. The waters are gonna be muddy. The defensive intensity is going to be high. Put the women and children to bed early, cause people will be in peoples face.

Iggy will add more clamps for the battle that lies ahead. I dont see anything or anyone standing in the way of that eventual clash.

So to the Clipps: They are showing that they are vulnerable more so that we are IMHO. Let's say we finish 1 and 2 in the west. Both teams have to win 2 seven game series before we meet them in real games. To go and get a player (who I think isn't the player anymore that most think he is) for just that series and give up a guy who can do something we flat out don't have on the bench which is score would be a mistake.

Actually what you need against a really good defensive team, and what we were missing in our only game with them, is a 3rd scorer for them to concentrate on rather than collapsing on Davis and Bron. Kuz is the best shot we have at that guy.

[NippySudz]

The Laker are good enough to beat some pretty good teams.

Kuzma is still young and not a 3rd star.
He is a role player like a Lou Will

What the Lakers should focus on is Iggy?

Right now the Lakers are not going to beat the Clippers in a 7 game series.

But with Iggy I think the chances go up alot.

I agree. This thing aint gonna be about outscoring and high pointing. When we meet the clippers, its gonna get down, dirty and ugly. The waters are gonna be muddy. The defensive intensity is going to be high. Put the women and children to bed early, cause people will be in peoples face.

Iggy will add more clamps for the battle that lies ahead. I dont see anything or anyone standing in the way of that eventual clash.

So to the Clipps: They are showing that they are vulnerable more so that we are IMHO. Let's say we finish 1 and 2 in the west. Both teams have to win 2 seven game series before we meet them in real games. To go and get a player (who I think isn't the player anymore that most think he is) for just that series and give up a guy who can do something we flat out don't have on the bench which is score would be a mistake.

Actually what you need against a really good defensive team, and what we were missing in our only game with them, is a 3rd scorer for them to concentrate on rather than collapsing on Davis and Bron. Kuz is the best shot we have at that guy.

The clips aren't showing anything, really. They have yet to practice as an unit and it's early. To judge them off two games with Paul George and kawhi would be a disservice

And Iggy is for a few mins in thr playoffs. He's not going to be a world beater bit he does alleviate some pressure off guys in the perimeter.

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[Dmagic]

I'm all for kuzma changing his headwear every game.
Lets go kuzzzz

[Rakkasan]

Nothing about Kuzma says allstar, in fact he looks and plays like a little girl out there on the floor. The Lakers desperately need a legitimate third scorer, because the Clippers are stacked and are looking unstoppable regardless to whether they have their two stars on the floor. They have to get creative with their contracts and bring in a third star, that may mean getting a third team involved in a trade.

[danfantastk32]

Nothing about Kuzma says allstar, in fact he looks and plays like a little girl out there on the floor. The Lakers desperately need a legitimate third scorer, because the Clippers are stacked and are looking unstoppable regardless to whether they have their two stars on the floor. They have to get creative with their contracts and bring in a third star, that may mean getting a third team involved in a trade.

I gotta agree with this.

Been a huge Kuzma guy, and I'm willing to concede that it's possible Kuz needs a little more time to adjust to playing along 2 super-stars, and being a legit notch below in the pecking order. It might take a little getting used to.

That said....a grip of guys figured it out in the Kobe/Shaq era. It feels like more and more, the Kuzma 'excuses' are just my wishes, more than logic. I'm sorry...but Kuz got a RARE 4 years of college, and the guy is on his 3rd season. He's not a 19-year old noob. The time is here for him to take it next level.

His minutes have dropped...and the situation is prob a little tricky, but an 11.5 PER for a guy who's little else, but an offensive weapon, just doesn't spell all-star. And it doesn't do it as our 3rd option.

Big Kuzma fan. Remember that summer league title like it was yesterday. I was so stoked when I heard we got AD without losing Kuz. But it's time to deliver. Like NOW....it's time.

[NippySudz]

Nothing about Kuzma says allstar, in fact he looks and plays like a little girl out there on the floor. The Lakers desperately need a legitimate third scorer, because the Clippers are stacked and are looking unstoppable regardless to whether they have their two stars on the floor. They have to get creative with their contracts and bring in a third star, that may mean getting a third team involved in a trade.

I gotta agree with this.

Been a huge Kuzma guy, and I'm willing to concede that it's possible Kuz needs a little more time to adjust to playing along 2 super-stars, and being a legit notch below in the pecking order. It might take a little getting used to.

That said....a grip of guys figured it out in the Kobe/Shaq era. It feels like more and more, this is just my wishes, more than logic. I'm sorry...but Kuz got a RARE 4 years of college, and the guy is on his 3rd season. He's not a 19-year old noob. The time is here for him to take it next level.

His minutes have dropped...and the situation is prob a little tricky, but an 11.5 PER for a guy who's little else, but an offensive weapon, just doesn't spell all-star. And it doesn't do it as our 3rd option.

Big Kuzma fan. Remember that summer league title like it was yesterday. I was so stoked when I heard we got AD without losing Kuz. But it's time to deliver. Like NOW....it's time.

that's actually a good point. I knew that he went to college all 4 years, but I forgot that 4yr college players tend to be more rounded when they come out of college and tend to adjust to the nba faster. Look at buddy hield, Damien lillard, Malcolm brogdon, and so forth. The fact that Kuzma hasn't figured it out yet may speak to his actual ceiling. I never thought of it that way. I always thought he was a role player and that he was too old to be a late bloomer but I forgot about 4years of college experience. In some respects, he should be ahead of some players making the jump early.

People keep talking about he scored 18 ppg. Yes, on a bad team last year. A lot of people can score 18points on bad teams. I bet if you go look at the suns last year roster, you can find guys that scores in the teens that no one cares about.

[danfantastk32]

So how are you all about Chicago, except the Bulls? How did you become a goomba fan?