The Los Angeles Lakers lost Game 1 against the Portland Trail Blazers which adds more pressure to the team. But, it is still a long series and there’s every chance of a Lakers comeback. While LeBron and Anthony Davis are the two best players on the team, who’s #3? 

The Lakers possess a talented list of players in their roster. One of them is 25-year-old Kyle Kuzma, who is expected to get better as he finds more experience in the league. Even though Kuz has not been posting scoring averages that might reflect solid numbers, he’s definitely capable of it. He’s even got validation from the King himself! Moreover, a 6x NBA champ lauded his skillset recently. 

Scottie Pippen knows the quality of a player like Lakers star Kyle Kuzma

In a recent episode of ‘The Jump’ on ESPN, Scottie Pippen had registered his comments on Kyle Kuzma, ahead of Lakers’ first game against the Blazers. The six-time NBA champion praised the all-round ability in Kuzma’s game, which might just make him the third-most important player for the Lakers. 

“I think this young man after watching him in this league for the last couple of seasons, he’s grown tremendously,” Pippen said. 

“To me, he checks all the boxes,” he continued. “He’s definitely built confidence over the last few years playing alongside a guy like LeBron, having the opportunity to work out with LeBron, do things off the court.” 

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“Offensively he’s solid, defensively he’s solid,” Pippen added.  “So, to me, he’s that third player. To win a championship, it is going to be important that his growth continues throughout these playoffs.” 

The main area of discussion was around Kuzma’s consistency which needs to be solid, for the team to gain an upper hand against their opponents. The 6’8” forward posted 14.0 points in the loss to Portland, the third-best effort by a Laker on the night. 

But, for the team to prove themselves as contenders, they need to regain their form inside the bubble. So far, it has not been a happy campaign for the Lakers. Besides AD and LeBron, Kuzma should pick up the responsibility of scoring night in and night out to help the team advance further. 

Kyle Kuzma is not recording career-high averages this season. Undoubtedly he will get better, but the Lakers don’t have much time on their hands. It doesn’t get any serious than this. A loss to Portland is a reality check for the entire roster to step up and perform. Can Kuzma step-up and contribute big in for the Lakers in Game 2?