Los Angeles Lakers: Ranking the team’s top 3 scoring threats in 2017-18

Honorable Mention: Kyle Kuzma, SF

Based on what we saw during NBA Summer League, Kyle Kuzma seemed like an intriguing option for the No. 3 spot on this list. However, I quickly reminded myself that it was, after all, Summer League.

What’s more is the fact that we’re not sure what Kuzma’s role is going to be as a rookie. While he flashed heaping piles of potential in his first taste of NBA action, the Lakers seem pretty set at forward. Brandon Ingram and Julius Randle have the starting jobs locked down, and Larry Nance Jr., Luol Deng and Corey Brewer figure to get some minutes depending on the lineup.

So where does that leave Kuzma? Honestly, it largely comes down to his play. The Lakers will gauge his progress during training camp and the preseason. If all goes well, they’ll find him minutes once the regular season gets under way. Can he deliver when it matters most, or will he look like the rookie he is?

If he plays well, expect his minutes to increase as the season rolls along. The hope would be that he continues to put on a show on the offensive end, similar to how he did during Summer League. If that’s the case, there’s no way Luke Walton keeps him in a limited role for long.

Could Kuzma have a whale of a season as a rookie? Absolutely, especially when you look at his production during college and Summer League. However, until his 25.1 Player Efficiency Rating during his final year at Utah translates to real NBA action, it’ll be a waiting game.