WATCH: Lakers’ Kyle Kuzma off to Hot Start as Anthony Davis Misses the Game Against Timberwolves
Follow Us
Kyle Kuzma got a rare start for the Los Angeles Lakers in their game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Anthony Davis sat out the game due to an injury, and Kuzma took his place in the starting line-up. With a rare opportunity like this, Kuzma needed to prove his mettle. And he did just that.
Kyle Kuzma starts the game 4-4 from downtown 🔥🔥🔥pic.twitter.com/KYb70IAOh3
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) December 28, 2020
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What a start from @kylekuzma, who has 14 points on 5 of 6 FG’s (4 of 5 3’s), plus 1 board, 1 assist and 2 blocks to lead LAL to a 28-14 lead in the absence of Anthony Davis.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) December 28, 2020
In the first quarter, Kuzma got off to a really hot start. He attempted and converted 4 three-pointers in the first quarter and made two impressive defensive blocks that kept the Minnesota Timberwolves offense at bay. In fact, Kuzma looked so impressive that it seemed like he could make every shot he took.
Kuzma’s heroics allowed the Los Angeles Lakers to establish a big lead during the game. While Kuzma’s shooting caught the eye of many, it were his defensive blocks that deserve more acclaim. In hindsight, his defensive blocks, especially the one against Edwards which was on a fastbreak, became critical for Lakers’ emphatic win.
Kyle Kuzma rises again
Prior to the arrival of Anthony Davis, Kuzma was touted as one of the best Lakers’ players. After LeBron joined in 2018, Kuzma and he built a bit of a partnership with James getting him good looks throughout. At this point, many thought that Kuzma was set to be a future Lakers’ superstar.
BLOCKED BY KUZMA! Kyle Kuzma denies the rookie Anthony Edwards! #LakeShow x #Timberwolves pic.twitter.com/eNamMyKC59
— Italo Santana (@BulletClubIta1) December 28, 2020
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
However, the arrival of Anthony Davis complicated matters for Kuzma. With Davis bolstering the ranks of the Lakers, two of the best players in the NBA were playing in Kuzma’s position.
Trending
Billionaire Michael Jordan’s $20 Million Venture’s Identical Logo to Puma Gets Defended by Dwyane Wade: “I’m Not Even Getting Paid”
May 03, 2024 06:07 AM EDT
Rich Paul: Only Savannah James & Bronny Could Cut LeBron’s 5-Year Plan Short
May 02, 2024 07:10 PM EDT
WNBA’s Sad Policy Begins Haunting Rookie Caitlin Clark in Dallas: “Liberty Were Fined $500K…”
May 03, 2024 04:06 AM EDT
Rumoured Next Coach of the Lakers, JJ Redick Makes A Surprising Comment on LeBron James’ Relationship
May 01, 2024 01:01 AM EDT
Damian Lillard Shuts Down Trade Chatter With 2-words After Bucks’ Premature Playoff Elimination
May 03, 2024 07:31 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Unfortunately, this meant a drastic reduction in minutes for Kuzma and he spent a considerable time on the bench. As a result, Kuzma’s performances became more and more inconsistent.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The lack of minutes for Kuzma became a cyclical trap for him. Because of less playing time, Kuzma’s performances went down. And because of his performances being poor, he saw his minutes shrink or stay the same for the most part.
Like a focused player who wants to prove his worth, Kuzma spit fire in his first big outing. Can Kuzma carry this momentum forward for the rest of the season? We shall see.