Los Angeles Lakers rookie Kyle Kuzma is quickly making waves in the NBA. At just 22 years of age, the Flint, Michigan native has already placed his name alongside the great Jerry West in one impressive category.
Though the Lakers were defeated by the Golden State Warriors on Friday night, 113-106, Kuzma racked up 27 points on 9-15 shooting from the field, marking his third consecutive game with 25 or more.
According to Elias Sports Bureau, the only other rookie in Lakers history to achieve such a feat is “The Logo” — Jerry West.
Kyle Kuzma becomes the first Lakers rookie since Jerry West in 1961 to score 25+ points in three consecutive games (via @EliasSports).
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) December 23, 2017
After Friday night's game, Warriors star Kevin Durant had high praise for the Lakers, as well as Kuzma's on-court abilities.
“You gotta give (the Lakers) credit, though,” Durant told ESPN's Israel Gutierrez. “They put pressure on us in the second half, getting in the passing lanes. They've got some young, athletic guys that can play.”
“Kuzma should have been a lottery pick,” Durant added with certainty. “Those guys are coming out and playing great basketball. Kuzma is a problem. I like him.”
In his 29 games played for Los Angeles this season, “Kooz,” as Kuzma is known, has posted averages of 17.7 points on 51.0 percent shooting from the field (40.9 percent from beyond the arc), 6.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists.
Kuzma and the Lakers (11-19, 3rd in Pacific) will be back in action on Saturday night when they'll welcome the Portland Trail Blazers (16-16, 4th in Northwest) to Staples Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. EST.
Follow Us
Subscribe