Kyle Kuzma still believes he can become an All-Star

Over the last two seasons, Kyle Kuzma has become a solid role player for the Los Angeles Lakers. He’s improved defensively, and his struggles for the injury-riddled purple and gold in the playoffs this season notwithstanding, he’s shown he can contribute to a literal title-winning team on both ends due to his defensive and offensive versatility. He could have potentially done it again this season, if the rest of the roster had been anywhere close to healthy.

Kuzma may not score like he did during his rookie season — when he was playing for a terrible team that just needed someone to shoot — but he’s much better than casual fans think he is, even if his original hope and expectation of being the team’s third star behind Anthony Davis and LeBron James seems a bit unrealistic at this point. Some of his teammates even thought that Kuzma had moved past such goals.

Well... It turns out, maybe not. The freshly extended forward told Tyler Conway of Bleacher Report that he still thinks he can be an All-Star, as long as he’s given a consistent role and more opportunities:

Kuzma’s numbers were stronger across the board when he started in his natural 4 position, and he still sees himself as a player capable of averaging 25 points per game and reaching All-Star heights.

“I definitely can. I definitely believe that, too. I don’t really care what nobody thinks or says. I know myself, and I know my ability. It’s hard to be consistent in an inconsistent role. I’m excited for a more consistent space next year,” Kuzma said.

Good for Kuz! It’s always nice to believe in yourself.

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