LOS ANGELES – Well before the Los Angeles Lakers crushed the division rival Phoenix Suns on Monday night in a 25-point rout, 44 finalists for the U.S. Olympic Men’s Basketball Team were announced for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Five of these 44 players are Lakers, including forward Kyle Kuzma.

Although Kuzma is solely focused on a potential championship run with the Lakers, the Utah product talked about making this 44-man list following Monday's game. The 24-year-old was extremely appreciative of joining the list of some of the best players in the league:

“Blessed to just be a finalist,” Kuzma said. “Growing up always wanting to play for the Olympic team. That was a goal of mine. Never really knew if it was going to happen or whatnot, but I have the opportunity to be on the team. It's a blessing.”

Kuzma joins fellow Lakers teammates LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Dwight Howard, and JaVale McGee. Even though the young forward will be a long shot to make the team, he's definitely in high spirits with the opportunity to make the squad and make up for being unable to finish his stint with Team USA this past summer due to injury.

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As for Kuzma's current situation, he's safe with the NBA trade deadline having come and gone without the Lakers making a deal to send him elsewhere. He still has some work to do as he has been hot and cold throughout the season, but the team still has faith he can be that spark off the bench for Los Angeles.

Against the Suns, Kyle Kuzma finished with nine points (4-for-5 shooting), eight rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and a steal. He may not be scoring a lot of points lately, but he has made an impact elsewhere and seems to be turning into a well-rounded player for the Lakers.