When was the last time Kyle Kuzma got as hot on the court as he did in
Wednesday’s win over Houston?
“Probably like fifth or sixth grade maybe,” he said. “For real, no joke.”
Kuzma was a flamethrower beyond the arc, shooting 7-of-10 from 3-point range on
his way to 38 points — the second-most by a rookie Laker since the franchise
moved to L.A. 57 years ago.
Kyle Kuzma resets his career high once again with 38 points, shooting an
efficient 70% from the field with 7 triples #LakersWin
pic.twitter.com/C1X1ieY1Me
Kuzma got rolling early on, hitting all nine of his shots in the first half. He
developed a rhythm, in part, because of the nice looks he was getting from
teammates in the opening minutes.
This included a wide-open, spot-up triple off penetration from Josh Hart, who
spun through the lane before dishing out to Kuz.
This type of slash-and-kick playmaking is something that the drive-heavy Lakers
have talked about wanting to see more often.
More quality minutes from rookie Josh Hart in his second career start.Lakers
have talked a lot about wanting to drive and kick more, and he does that with a
flashy spin move right here.4 pts, 3 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk in an impressive first
quarter for the 30th overall pick. pic.twitter.com/QbiYu2z0LT
Kuzma — inserted to the starting lineup largely because of the spacing his
shooting provides — was able to make an immediate difference with his quality
looks from deep (off that Hart drive, a Larry Nance Jr. offensive rebound and
some defensive indifference from James Harden).
The rhythm developed on those first three treys helped Kuzma hit some tough 3’s
throughout the rest of the game. Coach Luke Walton has made quality shot
selection a point of emphasis for Kuzma this season, but was OK with lower-grade
looks based on how hot his hand was this night.
Here, he fakes the drive before hitting the cool step-back over defensive ace
P.J. Tucker.
Otro mas de los de @kylekuzma en la noche texana (@AGMLA y @PintoLakers en
@SpectrumSN / NBA League Pass). pic.twitter.com/D6j4MiPAfy
Kuzma was scorching against a team that stood atop the league-wide standings
after winning 14 games in a row. But to him, it was just like any other game.
“I scored 30 in Summer League, so…” Kuzma said with a shrug.
Hitting seven 3-pointers was certainly the fuel for his fire, but Kuzma also
showed an ability to adjust his game based on the defense.
On this play, Tucker aggressively jumps out at him to prevent another 3-point
strike.
So Kuz — whose driving has been even better than his team-best shooting this
year — takes advantage, gets a step on the defender and finishes a tough layup
while drawing the and-1 free throw.
Kuzma’s hot shooting also opened up opportunities for teammates, as he dished
out four assists (the second-most of his young career) with zero turnovers.
Here, all five defenders’ heads turn toward Kuzma once he catches the ball off a
screen, waiting to see if he pulls the trigger. He begins to drive but notices
Lonzo Ball’s man has fallen asleep watching the play.
The result is an open triple for Ball.
When you’re this hot, you can create opportunities for others. Kyle Kuzma (33
points, 7 3PM) comes off the double screen and draws the entire defense’s
attention. He swings it to Lonzo, whose defender was caught watching Kuz. Nice
bit of playmaking in a big scoring night. pic.twitter.com/DG5fcp35sC
Walton also took advantage of the attention Kuzma received with one of the most
well-designed plays the Lakers have run all year.
There is so much misdirection on the sequence below, with a double screen for
Corey Brewer, a cut to the hoop from Jordan Clarkson, and Kuzma receiving the
pass off a pick from Larry Nance Jr.
The crux of the play is Kuzma’s threat to catch and shoot another trey. This
puts Nance’s defender, Ryan Anderson, in no man’s land, as he isn’t sure whether
to run out and contest Kuzma or stay back and allow the open shot.
Kuz sees this and fires a pass to Nance for the easy slam.
My favorite play by the Lakers all season long. Look how much defensive
confusion it causes:Is it a double screen for Brewer? (Nope)JC on the cut?
(Nope)Kuz catch and shoot off a screen? (Nope)Nance rolls to rim for the dunk?
() pic.twitter.com/LWTeA67I9Q
Just 28 games into his NBA career, Kuzma has shown scoring capabilities far
beyond his years.
He has 11 nights with at least 20 points, including three in a row. There is a
reason why Kobe Bryant listed him among the Lakers’ key pieces for the future
during his jersey retirement press conference on Monday.
After the Houston game, Bryant also tweeted his approval of the high
expectations to which the 22-year-old holds himself.
Kuz wasn’t too impressed with himself postgame. Said he expected to be scoring
like this. Confidence for days. pic.twitter.com/GTxiwtLz3K
https://t.co/tpeVb4vqk2
Kuzma grew up a basketball junkie, and Kobe was one of the players that he would
study for his own game. That influence is evident in some of Kuzma’s footwork,
which is so advanced for his age (though not near the level of Bryant, whose
footwork was just about unparalleled).
Here, he gets switch onto 6-foot Chris Paul and immediately takes advantage of
the 9-inch mismatch by posting up the post guard. Houston’s center, Nene, senses
the danger and comes over to double team.
Kuzma stays calm, spins baseline, gives a little pump-fake and swishes the
fadeaway jumper.
That right there is Mamba mode.
Player: Kyle Kuzma
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