Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma is glad to have taken the call from Team USA to take part in training camp, as he's already been learning the ropes of playing in multiple positions during his brief stint with USA Basketball.
The rangy forward likes to have this versatility as a weapon, something he can use heading into his third season at a time of need.
“One thing that’s going to prepare me well playing with USA Basketball is they really like my versatility and how I can play the three, four and put me at the five a little bit,” said Kuzma, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic. “Last year, I didn’t really have experience with that, but now USA Basketball is allowing me to work on those things. And if Vogel wants me to do that, that’s what I gotta do.”
Kuzma just might need to play at both forward positions and even some center if JaVale McGee and Anthony Davis are on the bench or unavailable in the wake of DeMarcus Cousins' torn ACL. The third-year cog might not be a shot-blocker extraordinaire, but if he can keep opponents from finishing in the paint, he should prove to be a solid boost as a stretch- or speed-five.
“It’s super unfortunate because just how much he loves basketball, throughout all these injuries, he’s kind of fought back to get in as soon as possible,” Kuzma said of his new teammate Cousins. “That’s just kind of how the ball goes sometimes. You never really know, and you kind of (have to) count your blessings sometimes, take it at that and be grateful.”
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