Kyle Kuzma was the lone youngster on the Los Angeles Lakers who survived the Anthony Davis trade.

Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart were sent to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Davis. At his introductory press conference with the Lakers on Saturday, Davis talked about Kuzma and said the small forward is a “young player who is steadily growing.”

This past season, Kyle Kuzma averaged 18.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists while shooting 45.6 percent from the field, 30.3 percent from beyond the arc and 75.2 percent from the free-throw line. The swingman is expected to start alongside LeBron James, Danny Green, Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins.

It's championship or bust for the Lakers in 2019-20. Los Angeles is expecting Kuzma to take the next step in his development. The 23-year-old has already shown he can put the ball in the basket. Now, Kuzma has to become a more efficient 3-point shooter, stronger defender and facilitator.

The Lakers and the rest of the league for that matter know what to expect from Davis and James on a nightly basis. It's guys like Kuzma, Green, Cousins, Rajon Rondo and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope who have to play at a high level for Los Angeles to win the title.