In 2017, the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Kyle Kuzma in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets. One season later, LeBron James left Cleveland Cavaliers to join the Lakers in LA. Today, Kuzma is playing for the Washington Wizards – happy to be a front liner. In a recent interview, the forward spoke about playing out of James’ shadow, and how that has changed in Washington.

While a younger star learns quite a lot from veterans, sometimes they might want to play and shine on their own. For Kuzma, leaving the Lakers has done just that.

Why was Kyle Kuzma eager to leave the LA Lakers?

Now while Kuzma had his own place in LA, he was not the focus. The 26-year-old developed his game with the Lakers, doing his best to grow over the years. Everyone is aware of the Lakers’ disappointing Round 1 exit last season, something which Kuzma was also blamed for. They won the title in 2020.

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Now in Washington, Kuzma sees his game elevated. “It’s very fun, obviously. You know, from an individual standpoint this is kinda what I wanted. An opportunity just to, you know, not be in someone’s shadow”. 

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Kuzma went on to talk about James and Anthony Davis in detail, who in the end did teach him a lot when he was with the Lakers. As per Kuzma, he learned everything he knows from the two – which includes on-court and off-court things. “I feel just like everything, you know. The way I think the game, the way I approach the game, the way I take care of my body, my effort defensively”. 

He even spoke about the winning aspect, which he seems to have brought along to the Wizards.

Fans remain in two minds, some asking why was Kuzma asking to get away while learning everything from James and Davis. Some agreed with him, while the others discussed the Lakers’ roster and how young talent like Kuzma was given away.

Are the Wizards playing well this season?

The team is 10-3 in the Eastern Conference right now, leading the conference. Even though the team is led by Spencer Dinwiddie and Bradley Beal, Kuzma seems to have brought a lot to the table. He is averaging 14.5 points this season, which is an improvement if one looks at his last two seasons in LA.

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The Wizards have been struggling despite Beal on their roster, unable to win even when Russell Westbrook played for them last season. This season, however, can be a turning point for the team – where Kuzma’s role cannot be overlooked.

Wizards’ next game is scheduled for November 17 against the Charlotte Hornets.