2017-18 NBA Rookie of the Year ladder: Week 4 power rankings

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3. Kyle Kuzma, Los Angeles Lakers

Last week: No. 2 (↓1)

Kyle Kuzma drops a spot in this week’s Rookie of the Year power rankings, but it’s no fault of his own. Kuzma has excelled since being inserted into the starting lineup for the Los Angeles Lakers.

He has started the past four games and has two double-doubles in the Lakers’ past two victories. Kuzma has also seen a slump in his shooting percentage in the past two losses. Ironically, Los Angeles is on a two-game losing streak.

Kuzma shot 40 percent (4-of-10) in their 107-96 loss to the Boston Celtics on Wednesday night and then shot 28.6 percent (4-of-14) against the Washington Wizards in their 111-95 loss on Thursday night. He also went without a made 3-pointer (0-for-4 combined).

The 27th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft is still averaging 14.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists through 12 games so far. As a starter, his shooting percentage is down from 54.3 percent to 47.7 percent as is his 3-point percentage, which is down from 33.3 percent to 20.0 percent.

With just four starts under his belt through nine total games, there’s plenty of time for him to adjust.