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LeBron James Blamed Injuries for Lakers’ Dismal Run – Kyle Kuzma Completely Agrees

Published 07/08/2021, 11:21 AM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

The league has shifted gears this season. For the starters, defending champions Lakers were sent home earlier than expected. A ton of reasons borne the downfall of the star-studded team. And the Lakers had to pay a hefty price for the same.

Lakers’ struggle began early on during the regular season itself. Their power duo LeBron James and Anthony Davis were benched for prolonged time frames due to injuries. However, they were gifted a second chance with the Play-ins making an appearance this year.

LeBron and Co. managed to survive them as well but finally fell apart in the first round of playoffs to the Phoenix Suns. Devin Booker was on hot wheels from the beginning of the postseason. Moreover, the Lakers failed to work on their strengths and slipped their chances. Eventually, it proved to be a disappointing run for the 2020 champions.

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USA Today via Reuters

NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers and Thunder Potentially Working on a Kemba Walker & Kyle Kuzma Swap

Why was it a mentally draining season for the Lakers?

Well, it’s been a daunting year for the LA city with their favorites out of the league. The young Kyle Kuzma recently elaborated on a list of reasons for the Lakers’ embarrassing exit.

A while back, LeBron James had put up a grave argument on his social media with concerns surrounding players falling to injuries this season. He clearly included himself under that as well. And it seems like Kuzma agrees with the King having listed injuries at the top of his reasoning.

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The 25-YO forward told Bleacher Report “Injuries throughout the season, changing roles, certain guys in the lineup, certain guys not in the lineup. The NBA season is already mentally draining, and when you have a lot of that, it just adds to it.”

“If you think about the injuries from a player’s perspective, it wasn’t enough time for players to get their bodies ready. But at the same time, you gotta go out and compete and take care of your body. I’m definitely not complaining; they pay us a lot of money to go out there and compete.”

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USA Today via Reuters

Kyle Kuzma lists factors for improvement next season

In stark contrast to the last season in the bubble, this year has been particularly frustrating for the Lakers.

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Kuzma, who averaged 12.9 points and 6.1 rebounds, has pointed out injuries and changing player roles in the team as prominent factors regarding the team’s underperformance. If so, then the favorites must be looking to make notable changes for a comeback next summer. Do you agree with Kuzma’s comments on the Lakers’ short-lived playoff run?

WATCH THIS STORY: Moments When LeBron James’ Legacy Was on the Line But He Fought Back

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Written by:

Pavni Ahuja

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Pavni Ahuja is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Housing a keen interest in sports journalism, she is pursuing an undergraduate Journalism degree from Christ University. Pavni is an ardent fan of the NBA, with prior district-level playing experience in basketball.
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