‘Kyle Kuzma will take a big leap next season’: Lakers star LeBron James reposes faith in teammate

LeBron James believes teammate Kyle Kuzma can take a huge leap in the 2020-21 NBA season, tweeting the same.

Kuzma had a bright start to his NBA career. Many believed him to be a really good prospect following his rookie year, when he averaged over 16 points per game. He followed it up with a sophomore season on the same lines with an expanded role – he finished with a commendable average of 18.7 points per game.

However, Kuzma’s playing time and shot attempts fell significantly following the arrival of Anthony Davis. The 25-year-old, who is used to playing the 4, had to play extended spells at 3. He moves his feet a bit too slow to guard 3s effectively, and thus had to be taken out in clutch periods.

Also Read: ‘They’re talking about how Clippers lost, not how we won’: Nikola Jokic disdainful of media for Nuggets coverage

This made the Lakers use him sparingly during the playoffs. From a regular season average of 12.3 points per game, Kuzma’s scoring fell further to 10 points.

LeBron James believes Kyle Kuzma can revitalize his career and make a leap this year

James has always only had good things to say about Kuzma. Decreased playing time has led Kuzma to focus more on his defense, and he has become better on that end of the floor.

Many believe he has all the tools to become a good-to-great two-way player in the NBA. It’s just a matter of putting it all together, and making the right basketball plays.

LeBron seems to be in the same camp.

Name an NBA player you think will take a giant leap this season

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) December 4, 2020

Kyle Kuzma! https://t.co/W2oDJkFLP7

— LeBron James (@KingJames) December 4, 2020

Also Read: “I can see LeBron James’s exit strategy”: Skip Bayless speculates Lakers superstar will retire when contract extension ends in 2023

Although one admires the sentiment, it is difficult to see a world where Kuzma can flourish on the Lakers. They already loaded on the two best bench scorers from last season, so there will be even fewer shot attempts to go around.

Kuzma is also demanding a fat contract – something he will have to demonstrate that he does deserve over the season.