Houston Rockets defensive ace PJ Tucker thinks Los Angeles Lakers small forward Kyle Kuzma has a chance to be a “good two-way player.”
Tucker, one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA, has been impressed by Kuzma's defensive skills at Team USA practices.
Asked respected defender PJ Tucker about Kuz, who’s been focusing on his defense. Tucker said verbal communication is a big key, then added: "He’s so young and athletic, he has so much energy … he has a chance to be a really good defender, be a good 2-way player.”
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) August 15, 2019
We already know Kyle Kuzma can score the ball. The next step for Kuzma to take is to become a more reliable defender. After all, defense wins championships in the NBA.
Last season for the Lakers, Kuzma averaged 18.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists while shooting 45.6 percent from the field, 30.3 percent from beyond the arc and 75.2 percent from the free-throw line. Kuzma was the only youngster on the Lakers who survived the Anthony Davis trade with the New Orleans Pelicans, as Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart were all sent to New Orleans.
The Lakers are going to go as far as LeBron James and Davis can take them next season. Kuzma is primed to be the third option on offense behind The King and The Brow, but he should also try and be the third-best defender on the team.
In a loaded Western Conference, the Lakers aren't going anywhere if they don't defend at a high level every night.
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