After being drafted as a late-first rounder in 2017, Kyle Kuzma appears to be taking the tough road to greatness. Kuzma has excelled for the Lakers this year, providing the Lakers a much needed scoring boost. One can even argue that Kuzma has outplayed the Lakers' lottery pick addition, Lonzo Ball.

Nonetheless, Kuzma still has a long ways to go to become a superstar in the NBA. He has yet to enter his prime and will likely experience the growing pains that plague many young stars. Hence, Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype, got to talk to Kuzma about who he models his game after. The answer isn't all that surprising.

You get compared to a lot of players, but who do you study or model your game after?

KK: I try to look at everybody. I watch a lot of stuff from Kobe. I look at Kevin Durant a lot. I look at LaMarcus Aldridge’s post-ups. It’s a mixture of players [that I model my game after]. I wouldn’t say I’m similar to one particular person. I have multiple skills and I try to study everybody.​

Bryant is an obvious answer. The 5-time NBA legend played for the Lakers for his entire 20-year NBA career. Bryant is also recognized as one of the NBA's best pure scorers, which is definitely a trait that is befitting for Kuzma.

Kevin Durant is an OK choice, considering that he is another lethal scorer.

LaMarcus Aldridge is the odd one out. Aldridge is a modern day power forward, who can shoot with range from the post and beyond, but he isn't that explosive like Kuzma. In any case, all of these players have had success in the NBA and are worthy models for the young Lakers rookie to study.