After only getting selected 27th overall in last June's draft, Kyle Kuzma has more than surpassed the expectations set on him. His team-leading 16.7 points have been one of the bright spots for the Los Angeles Lakers this season, and even with him hitting the proverbial “rookie wall” in their last five games, makes the team's struggles a little more acceptable for the team and their fans.
However, the 22-year-old Utah product once again surprised many when he was able to bounce back with a solid performance last Saturday against the Dallas Mavericks. He regained his shooting touch and finished with 18 points, on 8-of-13 shooting, to go along with 10 rebounds. When asked what made it possible for him to get past the “wall,” Kuzma shared, via Spectrum SportsNet, that it could be because head coach Luke Walton decided to cancel their practice the previous day, allowing him to rest his tired body.
“Luke gave us a day off, finally, so I think that contributes to it. I got off my legs a little bit. I feel like I’m back now. It felt good to see the ball go in the rim a couple more times the past week or two. It was good.”
After losing nine straight games, the Lakers have been able to win their last four outings. That said, it leaves a glimmer of hope for them to still contend for one of the last playoff spots in the Western Conference if they'll be able to keep the momentum going. It won't be easy from here on out, but with Kuzma leading their charge, and Walton knowing what additional rest can do to his game, it will be hard to count them out just yet.
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