4. Kyle Kuzma, Los Angeles Lakers
Last week: 4th (↔)
Los Angeles Lakers rookie Kyle Kuzma is still the sleeping giant in this year’s Rookie of the Year race. He’s put up double figures in the Lakers’ past two contests, showing off his inside-outside ability in the process.
Kuzma scored 12 points, including two 3-pointers in Los Angeles’ win over the Mavericks on Friday night. On Saturday night, he put up 10 points along with two more 3-pointers in the Lakers’ 113-108 victory over the Kings.
The rookie out of Utah averaged 11.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.0 blocks in Los Angeles’ past two victories. He’s getting used to Lonzo Ball back in the rotation, along with other things. With Isaiah Thomas and Lonzo Ball potentially being options off the bench, Kuzma could find himself in the plans for more open looks.
The Lakers are 25-34 this season, 7.5 games behind the Denver Nuggets for the eighth playoff spot. A run could be in their future if they can get the offense going. If they do, Kuzma could find himself back in talks for Rookie of the Year.