Although the idea of securing a trio of star players was popular among NBA teams for much of the last decade, 2019 was the offseason of dynamic duos. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George teamed up for the Clippers; Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving became Nets; and James Harden and Russell Westbrook joined forces for the Rockets.
The Lakers, of course, lined up their own star duo by pairing LeBron James and Anthony Davis. However, Kyle Kuzma believes he’s capable of evolving into the sort of star that could give the Lakers a “Big Three,” as he tells Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.com.
“I don’t feel no pressure, but I believe that I am capable of being that superstar,” Kuzma said. “I put a lot of work in. My progress through my journey shows that I can be there. I developed every single year, dating back to college, and I don’t see that development stunting at all.
“Last year I didn’t shoot the ball well, and I still averaged almost 20 [points per game],” Kuzma added. “If I can shoot the ball well and keep developing the facets of my game defensively, I don’t see why I can’t [be that third star].”
Kuzma, 24, averaged 16.1 PPG with a .450 FG% and .366 3PT% as a rookie in 2017/18. While he increased his scoring rate to 18.7 PPG last season, he’s right that he struggled from beyond the arc — his 3PT% dipped to just .303.
Currently, Kuzma is competing for a spot on Team USA’s World Cup roster. If he makes the 12-man roster, he’d be in position to benefit from the play-makers on the roster and get plenty of open three-point looks. Even if he doesn’t make Team USA’s final roster – or doesn’t play much in China – he’s looking forward to a similar experience in Los Angeles this season.
“I’ve never been a ball-dominant guy,” Kuzma told Youngmisuk. “I’ve always played off the ball. It is going to be a little bit easier, going to have a lot of open shots. It is my job to trust my summer workouts and what I’ve done. Just breathe, focus and knock those shots down, because I’m going to be open.”
The 2019/20 season will be a crucial one for Kuzma, who will become eligible to sign a rookie scale extension during the summer of 2020. If he doesn’t ink a new deal a year from now, he’ll be on track for restricted free agency in 2021.
Interestingly enough, I also believe that I can be the Lakers 3rd star this year.
Does he think he’s going to get more of an opportunity to shoot the ball this year? The “but I scored 20 pts” part seems like he’s not making a connection.
Your point doesn’t resonate. You can say that about any other “star” (using that word loosely) that’s going to be the 3rd option. But he will have to show he can be a better 3pt shooter and up his non-shooting efforts (rebounding, assists, etc.).
Specifically, corner 3s. Only 33% from the corners. Needs to get closer to league average – 38-39%.
My point was that he got 20 points still because he was allowed to shoot the ball more — How he can have terrible percentages and still be like “well I got 20 points” doesn’t inspire confidence. Especially on a team that added a superstar.
Ask Ben Simmons
Exactly what I was thinking. Between LeBron and AD the opportunity for the ball is greatly reduced and he is not a pure shooter. maybe he knows that between the 2 most likely somebody goes down for a long time.
I’m more concerned about him needing to be the team’s 2nd option due to an aging/slowing LeBron or an injury.
27/8/8
@octraveler Kuzma being a 2md option behind LBJ? People are way over exageratjng LBJ’s aging. He had a groin injury, a injury that has nothing to do with age or lack of training. LBJs numbers were about the exact same as his 2017-18 numbers and his career overall. Shooting % is down but I don’t think that has anything to do with age. Give Larry Bird a week to practice and he’d probably shoot 40% from the 3 and 85% from FT.
You must be under 30 to think that way. Once you get close to 40 your body goes down hill. In NBA years 40 is like being 75. At 34 he is at 55 in NBA years.
He can be a solid third option but “star” isn’t going to happen on a roster loaded with big men
He needs to make his mark on defense. That team will need him to be a lock down defender.
Bosh averaged about 17.5 ppg with LBJ and Wade, I don’t think that’s out of the realm of possibility for Kuzma
As a third ‘wheel’ not a ‘star’…the only good thing Bosh ever did in Miami was grab that offensive rebound in Game 6 and find Allen in the corner…that was it.
He’d better hope he is and they win or else Lebron will put all of the blame for the Lakers losing on him.
Everyone disregards BOOGIE. Kuzma can be the 4th star.
If they start AD, LBJ, Kuzma, Boogie and Rondo, yes Boogie will be #3. If he comes off the bench, maybe not so much.
Nothing wrong with him believing it. He gets an “A” for effort (work ethic), but it’s yet to make up for his athletic limitations, particularly on defense. He can score, the issue will be how efficiently more than how much.
Kuzma is on a frontline with two stars and that is all the starness that is necessary. If there is to be another, it should be a guard for balance. Although there was talk that James would be a PG… not sure where that stands now.
Anyway Kuzma is not that good. It is funny he thinks he is at the James/Davis level. This is why James prefers vets. How much time will the Lakers waste waiting for Kuzma to address excellence at his optimal role for the team.
I wonder if Kuzma is putting this out there to support the James-at-PG plan!
This almost doesn’t deserve a response but I’ll bite.
Kuzma is still very young, has improved different facets of his game each year, works out with Kobe, and has the tutelage from Lebron for the next few seasons. To think that he won’t improve, on an already impressive resume, is unbelievable. He will easily be the third starfor the Lakers and carry the torch with Anthony Davis when LeBron retires.
They have more + role players on this roster. Not sure a 3rd Star is needed, a guy that can get 20-30 when LBJ or AD takes a night off? That’s what they need. And they have two potential in Kuz and Boogie.
I think if KK is starting along side LBJ/AD/DMC, his shot selection should be on efficiency.
If he isn’t going to make the shot then draw the double team and pass it.
He should completely dismiss the 3’rd star fascination.
Become the complete player, then we listen.