2017-18 NBA Rookie of the Year ladder: Week 5 power rankings
2. Kyle Kuzma, Los Angeles Lakers
Last week: No. 3 (↑2)
The Los Angeles Lakers still have one rookie they can rely on when it comes to putting them in positions to win and his name is Kyle Kuzma. Kuzma has excelled since being inserted into the starting lineup on Nov. 3.
He’s averaging 16.1 points and 9.1 rebounds so far as a starter for the Lakers. He was stellar against the Philadelphia 76ers, despite the outcome. Kuzma finished the game with a season-high 24 points, seven rebounds and an assist.
Kyle Kuzma : Season-high 24 points on 9-18 shooting, 5-6 from the FT line & 7 rebounds in 31 minutes pic.twitter.com/Dvl7tow7k6
— Lee Harvey (@MusikFan4Life) November 16, 2017
Kuzma ranks third among rookies this season in points per game (15.3) and fourth in rebounds per game (6.8) while shooting 50.3 percent from the floor. His defense isn’t quite up to par, but with so many moving parts on the Lakers’ roster, his production is good enough. He’s got four double-doubles and counting so far this season.
After a tough loss to the Sixers, expect elevated play from Kuzma and company. The Lakers are still 6-9 on the season and in good shape despite their youth. They’ve got three straight home games coming up against Suns, Nuggets and Bulls before they travel to face the Kings next Wednesday to close out the week.