Can Kyle Kuzma Become a 25 a Night Scorer?

In a recent interview with Bleacher Report, Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma declared that he has what it takes to become an All-Star in this league:

“I definitely can. I definitely believe that, too. I don’t really care what nobody thinks or says. I know myself, and I know my ability. It’s hard to be consistent in an inconsistent role. I’m excited for a more consistent space next year,” Kuzma said.

Kyle Kuzma is typically the butt of every NBA Twitter joke. As he ought to be.

Lakers fans—and the front office apparently—considered him to be untradable in an Anthony Davis deal. There was a belief that he would be the 3rd option for the team behind LeBron and AD and the man is frequently a ghost out there while Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball are objectively better basketball players.

He’s also become a low-level celebrity who appears in fashion shows despite his clear lack of fashion. His new haircuts every week—each one worse than the last.

But can this weirdo become a 25-a-night All-Star?

Last season, Kyle Kuzma averaged 12.9 points in 28 minutes a game. LeBron and AD missed significant chunks of the season. Kuz scored a career low 12 points. Nice.

If Kuzma can become an All-Star, it certainly won’t occur in a Lakers jersey. The seas were parted for this geek to step up and instead, he shrunk and vanished.

Who is the third best player on the Lakers right now? Kentavious Caldwell-Pope? Yea, the Lakers didn’t stand a chance to win the title.

Typically, the postseason is a great indicator of future success. We’ve seen plenty of guys have a coming out party in the playoffs and then carry that success into the rest of their careers.

Kyle Kuzma averaged 6.3 points in the first round against the Phoenix Suns including a lovely ZERO points in Game 1. I’ll be honest, that’s not a lot of points.

No, Kuzma will never average 25 points a night. He’ll never be the best player on a team unless he signs with the Shanghai Sharks in which case he’d still be taking a back seat to Jimmer Fredette.

But I quickly have to discuss the end of Kuzma’s quote where he claimed his lack of production was due to his inconsistent role. Also worth bringing up Andre Drummond complaining about his role on the Lakers too.

Enjoy your final season coaching the Lakers, Frank Vogel. They are 10000% blowing this whole shit up if they lose in the first round again next year. Maybe Kyle Kuzma can save them by getting that playoff scoring up from 6 points to like, 8.

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