Los Angeles Lakers rookie Kyle Kuzma is quickly making a name for himself in the NBA. In his 31 games played this season, the Michigan native has turned in averages of 18.1 points on 49.9 percent shooting from the field (41.6 percent from beyond the arc), 6.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists. Truly impressive stats for a first-year player, to be sure.

After posting 31 points on 8-18 shooting (6-11 from downtown) in Monday's 121-104 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Kuzma was asked if he would enjoy participating in the upcoming 2018 3-point shootout, which will be held in Los Angeles on Saturday, February 17. “Kooz,” as he's known, gave a confident reply.

“I'm a pretty good shooter,” Kuzma said after Monday's game. “I've been shooting really well consistently. It would definitely be cool to be in the three-point [contest] in L.A.”

https://twitter.com/DanDuangdao/status/945554251115143173

Whether or not Kuzma will be selected for the 3-point shootout remains to be seen, but it sounds like he would be up for it. He'd certainly be a fine candidate.

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Lakers head coach Luke Walton had high praise for Kuzma's recent level of play following Monday's game.

“For a rookie to kind of continue to play at the level he's playing at against very good players, very good teams, playing big minutes is impressive,” coach Walton said of Kuzma.

https://twitter.com/DanDuangdao/status/945551107090030593

Kuzma and the Lakers (11-21, 3rd in Pacific Division) will be back in action on Wednesday night when they'll welcome the Memphis Grizzlies to the Staples Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PST.