Los Angeles Lakers’ Kyle Kuzma belongs in 2017-18 Rookie of the Year race

Move aside, Lonzo Ball. The Los Angeles Lakers have a new top candidate for the 2017-18 Rookie of the Year Award and his name is Kyle Kuzma.

Prior to the start of the 2017-18 NBA season, much of the conversation surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers was about Lonzo Ball and his candidacy for the 2017-18 Rookie of the Year Award. Well, about three weeks into the season, it’s looking like Kyle Kuzma is the superior candidate.

In fact, I would say that Kuzma is near the top of the list of candidates as we enter November.

Now, at this moment, rookies like Ben Simmons, Jayson Tatum and Lauri Markkanen probably have a stronger case. However, when you consider that all three of those players are top 10 picks, it’s all the more impressive seeing as Kuzma was the No. 27 overall selection this past June.

As impressive as that is, it shouldn’t really be taken into consideration when it comes to determining who walks away with the Rookie of the Year award. I mention it more to emphasize the fact that a player who almost fell out of the first round is making waves similar to those coming from guys who were seen as elite prospects. Heck, he’s even outplayed the No. 2 overall pick, who the Lakers already deemed the face of the franchise.

Related Story: LeBron James still favors Lakers in free agency?

Haven’t seen too many episodes of the Lake Show this season? Need some video evidence of Kuzma’s outstanding play? No problem.

It’s more than just the scoring, as that’s largely what the above videos display. Kuzma is a smart, instinctive player who makes high-impact plays on both sides of the court. Whether he’s finding an open teammate on the kick out or coming up with a clutch rebound, the kid just gets it. He brings energy and confidence to the floor, and you can tell it’s contagious.

Here are a few key stats for you folks who prefer numbers over film.

More from Los Angeles Lakers

• NBA Trades: The Lakers bolster their frontcourt in this deal with the Pacers
• A surprise LeBron ranking should raise alarm bells for the Lakers
• Surprising Austin Reaves contract detail confirms Lakers got him for a steal
• Instant Grades for the Lakers’ unprecedented Anthony Davis extension
• Report: Lakers have big plans for recent top-10 pick amid roster shakeup

Through 10 games, Kuzma is averaging 15.4 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. He’s also shooting 56.3 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from long range. Those numbers are for a player who, up until the Lakers’ last game, was coming off the bench.

Based on what we saw in his first start, though, Kuzma may convince head coach Luke Walton to cement him into that starting lineup. Against the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night, the Utah alum racked up 21 points and 13 rebounds (his second career double-double) while connecting on 72.7 percent of his field goals. At one point, the fans at Staples Center were even chanting “MVP.”

Now that’s obviously a tad premature — it’s just what Lakers fans do. Still, it acts as evidence of the impact the rookie is having, both on and off the stat sheet. Despite Kuzma’s relative youth, he’s already earned a leadership role. On top of that, Walton always ensures he’s in the game when the pressure is on because that’s when he’s playing at his best.

Chances are Kuzma won’t win the Rookie of the Year Award. And while Ball is off to a slow start, it’s safe to assume he’s going to get better — much better. Despite all of that, we must acknowledge how terrific the No. 27 overall pick has been through nine games.

The Lakers knew this year would be characterized by the youth movement. However, I’m sure they figured Ball would be leading the charge. As we know by now, though, Kuzma’s been at the center of the spotlight during the 2017-18 campaign.

Next: 2017-18 Week 4 NBA Power Rankings

Expect Kuzma to turn heads all season, and earn his fair share of Rookie of the Year votes along the way.