Prior to the 2017 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Brook Lopez and the No. 27 overall pick from the Brooklyn Nets. With the additional first round draft pick, the Lakers selected Kyle Kuzma, where many felt he was chosen too high by President of Basketball Operations Magic Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka.
However, that quickly changed by the end of the 2017 Las Vegas Summer League. After averaging 21.9 points and 6.4 rebounds, Kuzma was named to the All-NBA Summer League Second Team as he helped Los Angeles win the championship. With the 2017-18 NBA season approaching, the rookie forward released his NBA 2K18 player rating on Twitter:
My #NBA2K rating out! I'm ready to get on the sticks!!! Thanks bros! @Ronnie2K @LD2K pic.twitter.com/SaQBR8K7iL
— kuz (@kylekuzma) August 11, 2017
Along with the video game releasing Lonzo Ball's player rating, both players will have an opportunity to increase their ratings in their first year. While Ball is expected to play major minutes, it remains to be seen if Kuzma will have the same opportunity as the Lakers have a crowded frontcourt led by Brook Lopez, Julius Randle, Larry Nance Jr., and Ivica Zubac.
While it was only Summer League, it appears the Lakers might have found another gem in the late first round and/or early second round. Since the team started their rebuilding process, they have done extremely well with Jordan Clarkson (No. 46), Nance Jr. (No. 27) and Zubac (No. 32). Along with Kuzma, Josh Hart (No. 30) and Thomas Bryant (No. 42) are also intriguing prospects heading into the new season.
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