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Even after signing a lucrative three-year, $ 40MM contract extension on Sunday, Lakers power forward Kyle kuzma he remained unsure about his precise role with Los Angeles, according to Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times. After starting all four of the Lakers’ preseason games, Kuzma came off the bench last night for the club’s first game of the regular season, a 116-109 loss to the Clippers.
Before last night’s game, head coach Frank vogel he offered his thoughts on how Kuzma would contribute to the club, regardless of whether he started or not.
“So the number one thing with Kuz in terms of this team is bringing energy to both ends of the court.” Vogel said. “He knows what we ask him to do with regards to offense, be more aggressive in catch and shoot situations, play through him but also complement. [LeBron James] and [Anthony Davis] and continue to grow on the defensive side … It has not yet been determined where it will fall in terms of starting role or leaving the bench and it will probably be fluid throughout the year.
Here’s more on the Lakers:
- After suffering a sprained ankle in the fourth quarter of last night’s season opener, Lakers All-Star Lebron James he’s still waiting to be ready for Los Angeles’ next game, a Christmas Day contest against the Mavericks, according to Athletic’s Jovan Buha. “I did pretty well, but I don’t think it will stop me from playing on Friday,” James said.
- New starting center for the Lakers Marc Gasol He has a long history with LA, despite playing his first game with the team yesterday, as detailed by Bill Oram of Athletic. Gasol was originally selected as the 48th pick in the 2007 draft by the former Los Angeles general manager. Mitch kupchak, then was traded in an infamous deal with the Grizzlies for his older brother, then All Star Pau Gasol, before preparing for the Lakers. He signed a minimum two-year veteran contract this offseason to add his defense, shooting and passing acumen to the reigning champions.
- The Lakers are being cautious with their minute allotments for James and Anthony Davis, according to Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times. Davis played 31 minutes in Los Angeles’ first game of the season, while LeBron was limited to just 28 after spraining his ankle early in the fourth quarter. “We’re going to be conservative with their minutes early in the season, and we have the depth to do it,” coach Frank vogel commented.
