Much has been said about Los Angeles Lakers rookie forward Kyle Kuzma being the biggest steal of the 2017 NBA draft, and that narrative isn't going away anytime soon with performances like the one he erected against the Miami Heat on Friday night.
Kuzma played 32 big minutes on the floor, registering 11 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and a steal. He also converted on one of his three attempts from long distance. That lone make from beyond the arc catapulted Kuzma atop one category on the Lakers' records book.
https://twitter.com/DanDuangdao/status/974870403569995777
While Kuzma had his historic moment, Los Angeles still suffered a nail-biter in front of their home crowd as they fell to the Heat 92-91. Julius Randle continued to bully his way into the paint en route to 25 points and 12 rebounds. Brook Lopez scored 18 points but there was not much help from the Lakers' other players, who watched Goran Dragic run rings around defenders, ending up with 30 points capped by the game-sealing bucket.
Kuzma was the 27th pick by the Brooklyn Nets but was traded to the Lakers, eventually becoming a part of the team's young core that is expected to carry the franchise back to its lofty perch. On the season, the former Utah standout holds averages of 15.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. He is also hitting at a 36-percent accuracy rate from beyond the arc.
After the game, Kuzma spoke about his achievement and the fact that playing for a storied franchise such as the Lakers made it even more special.
Kyle Kuzma on setting #Lakers rookie record for most made 3-ptrs in a single season. "it's pretty special. Anytime you have a record with the Lakers it's pretty special." #LakeShow
— Bob Garcia IV (@bgarciaivsports) March 17, 2018
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