Los Angeles Lakers: 2017-18 player grades for Kyle Kuzma

Final grade

When taking every aspect of Kyle Kuzma’s play into account this season, it’s tough to not come away impressed with how the rookie performed, especially as the 27th pick and an afterthought on draft night after Lonzo Ball grabbed most of the headlines.

His future is extremely bright and he has been a fan favorite since the summer. Hopefully the Los Angeles Lakers label him untouchable and leave his name out of trade rumors. Kuzma may not be the level of player of a Kawhi Leonard or one of the other stars seemingly available this offseason, but he’s a vital aspect of the on-court development and off-court culture that has the Lakers trending in the right direction.

Taking all of this under consideration, I will probably give Kyle Kuzma the highest grade of any Lakers player this offseason. He wasn’t the top performer, but his emergence and help in setting the foundation of the Los Angeles Lakers’ new culture symbolizes much more than any player on the roster.

Next: Full two-round 2018 NBA Mock Draft

Grade: A-