“I Just Look At Him As An Example”: Los Angeles Lakers Rising Star On Taking Inspiration From Kawhi Leonard

A lot of young players in the NBA grow up idolizing LeBron James. Los Angeles Lakers rising star Kyle Kuzma was no different. But now, in a recent interview, Kuzma revealed that Kawhi Leonard has been an inspiration for him.

Kuzma was a steal for the Lakers in the 2017 Draft when he was picked up 27th overall. After being a bench player in his first season, he started 68 games last season. However, the arrival of Anthony Davis has seen him relegated to the bench yet again. This is what has motivated him to be like Leonard.

“I just look at Kawhi Leonard as an example,” Kuzma said. “He was a Spur for 3, 4, 5 years or whatever it was, waiting his turn behind Duncan, Ginobili, Parker and then did his thing. I just take the pressure on myself and try to get better every day, stay focused on what I can control, and (know) my time is coming.”

Los Angeles Lakers need Kuzma to improve

In his first two seasons, Kuzma showed he has the potential to be a good scorer for the Lake Show. Last year, he averaged 18.7 points per game while shooting 45.6% from the field. Moving to the bench again was going to reduce his PPG, but his efficiency has also dropped this year. He is currently shooting 43% from the field and just 29.7% from beyond the arc.

He is one of their best players coming off the bench, and they need him to improve for the playoffs. Compared to their rivals’ Clippers bench, the Lakers are weaker. But Kuzma can prove to be the difference if he steps up. And as he admitted during the interview, he knows what it means to the Lakers if he can elevate his performance.

“Over this whole quarantine, I’ve kind of just been preparing my mind and my body and just getting ready for this opportunity. Not many players have opportunities to win rings. I have a chance to do that in my third year. Kind of really make moves in my career going forward. That’s important. “Guys can go across this league average 20, 25 [points] and just never win. I don’t want that. I want a legacy. And to do something that as a kid I’ve always wanted to do..”

A bench consisting of quality veterans like Dwight Howard, JR Smith, and Rajon Rondo, along with Kyle Kuzma, who is eager to prove himself is a good sign for a contending team like the Lakers.