It seems that things are working out in the best way possible for Kyle Kuzma. After being subject to a lot of criticism in his last season with the Lakers, he made his way to Washington. While it was evident he will have a bigger role, Kuzma is showing off his true potential. The former Laker drained yet another game winner for the Wizards and had LeBron James all hyped up.
Kuzma did not enjoy a great last season with the Lakers. He had a disappointing post season in which the Lakers suffered a first round exit to the Phoenix Suns. With a desire to improve, the purple and gold traded for Russell Westbrook and sent Kuzma and others to Washington.
However, it seems things have worked out in the best way for them. All the former Lakers are playing a big time role as the Wizards sit at 4th seed in the eastern conference.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In the game against the Detroit Pistons, Kuzma hit his second game winner of the season and LeBron James loved it.
WATCH THIS STORY: NBA Stars That Shaquille O’Neal Has Taken Jabs at: Donovan Mitchell, James Harden & Others
LeBron James shows his love for Kuzma
After a Cade Cunningham layup tied the game at 116-116, the Wizards looked to take the game winning shot. Like in the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, they trusted Kuzma with the shot. He delivered a triple from a dish from Spencer Dinwiddie and gave the Wizards a three point advantage. To add to things, he even waved goodbye to the Pistons’ fans after hitting the shot.
“I had to tell ‘em … it’s time to go.”
Kuz on waving goodbye to Pistons fans after his game-winner 😂 pic.twitter.com/i3JaG7uhjK
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 9, 2021
KUUUUUUUZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) December 9, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
This is the second time Kuzma has carried the Wizards on his back in a situation like this. The first time came against Cleveland where he hit the shot from the same corner. Now, he took up the responsibility once again by draining another game winner. He has evidently improved his shooting stroke since last season and looks to be a lot more confident in his game.
The Pistons were solid for the most part of the game, shooting 54% from downtown. Jerami Grant continues to impress as he tallied 28 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. After a slow start, Cade Cunningham is picking things up as he added 21 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists to the Pistons. Despite being a better shooting team, a last second triple put an end to their hopes of pulling a win.
READ MORE-WATCH: Shaquille O’Neal Sang and Roasted Former Laker Who Got Traded for Kobe Bryant
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Kuzma was the star of the show for the Wizards, leading them with 26 points and 7 rebounds including the walk off game winner. Bradley Beal came in with 25 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists while shooting 52% from the field. Despite not having a greater bench contribution, the Wizards held their nerve at the end of the game and improve to 15-11 for the season.