Kyle Kuzma Reveals the Biggest Change LeBron James Has Brought to the Los Angeles Lakers

Published 10/12/2020, 7:30 AM EDT

The Los Angeles Lakers won their franchise 17th NBA Championship, defeating the Miami Heat 106 to 93. Led by Finals MVP LeBron James, the Lakers beat the Heat 4 games to 2. James’ impact on the organization is undeniable with the franchise reaching the NBA Finals and Championship in only his second season. Kyle Kuzma of the Lakers came forward after Game 6 to talk about what ‘The King’ has brought to the franchise.

James came to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018, signing a 4-year deal worth US$ 154 million. His first season with the ‘Lake Show’ ended in disappointment. James missed much of the season with a groin injury and the playoffs. The Lakers brought in reinforcements for LBJ by trading for Anthony Davis, along with several other role players such as Dwight Howard, Danny Green, and others. However, they missed out on Kawhi Leonard, who chose to sign with rivals LA Clippers and team up with Paul George.

Despite this, the Lakers were considered one of the favorites. The Lakers emerged out of the West as the number 1 seed. Marching their way through the playoffs, James and co. defeated the Portland Trailblazers, Houston Rockets, and Denver Nuggets to reach the NBA Finals.

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In the Finals, the Lakers faced a tough team in the Miami Heat. LeBron’s motivation to win the title bolstered, facing off against his former franchise and team president Pat Riley. Riley and James fell out after the latter chose to leave the Heat to return to the Cavaliers. While the Heat have a great team, it wasn’t enough. James won the series for the Lakers, earning himself his 4th Finals MVP and becoming the first to win Finals MVP with 3 different franchises.

Kuz’ applauds James’ contribution

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Kyle Kuzma spoke with the media after Game 6, and spoke on James’ contribution to the franchise. “Anytime you’re on a LeBron James-led team, you know you’re going to give it your all, & you’ve got to come in every single day and work…When you walk into the gym, you see him doing it. It makes you want to go even harder. That’s what he’s brought to this huge organization.”

Kuzma on LeBron’s work ethic (3/3): “When you walk into the gym, you see him doing it. It makes you want to go even harder. That’s what he’s brought to this huge organization.”
— Ryan Ward (@RyanWardLA) October 12, 2020

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James’ work ethic is one of the primary reasons for his career longevity. The Akron native is in his 17th season, playing at the highest level at age 35.

Do you think James’ work ethic can win the Lakers another championship? Is there anyone who works harder than James in the NBA today?

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Written by:

Aaditya Krishnamurthy is an NBA & NFL journalist for EssentiallySports, before which he worked at BusinessWorld magazine. He has been a fan of Basketball for over 10 years now, since Shaquille O’Neal was a Phoenix Suns player. During his time at Symbiosis School for Liberal Arts, he started a sports magazine for the college called the Overtime Tribune and hosted the Overtime Tribune Podcast until he graduated.

Kyle Kuzma Reveals the Biggest Change LeBron James Has Brought to the Los Angeles Lakers

Kuz’ applauds James’ contribution

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