How Kuzma Has Improved and Inspired in 2nd Season

By Kevin Ding - Senior Writer

Tougher than developing the elite ball-handling that Kyle Kuzma has already made his top priority for the coming offseason. No, not quite as hard as shooting 40 percent from three-point range or becoming an NBA All-Star, two of Kuzma’s loftiest goals that went unachieved in his second NBA season.

Turning potential into professional?

It’s still crazy difficult. Rarely happens in this league, much less happens super-fast. So many one-hit wonders, so few successful sequels.

That’s because talent is one thing … and consistently maximizing talent is completely another.

That’s why it’s so fulfilling to understand what Kuzma has accomplished this season in going from potential to professional.

As much as everyone loved them some Kuzmania, that rookie underdog 27th overall pick is gone. In his place stands someone whose understanding of the NBA game, job and lifestyle is already more advanced than just about every veteran in this league. Those in the Lakers’ inner circle have gone from pleasant surprise and hope over his first-year work ethic, drive and talent … to trusting all of this is the real deal in Year Two.

Kuzma guards Gallinari of the Clippers

Those who don’t care to scratch beyond the surface of this disappointing Lakers season won’t get it, but Kuzma is willing to tell you if you truly want to know. He has grown across these calendar days in ways you need a diary to judge, not a snapshot.

“I’m very weird from what I do,” he said before launching into a quick tutorial on bouncing back from a poor shooting game: How to Shake Off a 4-for-20 Shooting Game, by Kyle Kuzma. (Quick gist: “Look at the context of your misses.” If a bunch of them were rim-outs or easy misses, don’t even sweat it!)

It’s an inspiration to see someone so willingly embracing or redeeming his weaknesses. The way Kuzma sees it, why not study those weaknesses so he can carry even more confidence in the future? “It just adds to your chip on your shoulder,” he said.

At the same time, Kuzma has gained the maturity to avoid being swallowed up by those negativities and insecurities. He shared his second-year approach and learning with Lakers.com.

“I criticize myself after every game about little things,” Kuzma said. “Every game, I try to think of three things I could’ve done better—and then just blank the game out. I may score 40; I still try to think of something I could’ve done better. Then that game’s over, and I’m on to the next one.

“Two hours after the game, just try to think, try to knock it out. What I’ve learned is you can’t really stay on a high horse, can’t really dwell on a part of the season. Games come fast; you play every other day, so you can’t go into the next game thinking about some [expletive] you did in the past game. You’ve got the next game coming. It’s really helped my confidence—staying where I need to stay.”

A pro. Already a true pro.