NBA Rookie Ladder: Ben Simmons and an unlikely Laker steal the headlines
By Erez Maman
2. Kyle Kuzma, Los Angeles Lakers
Stats: 15.7 points, 5.7 rebounds
Not only did the Los Angeles Lakers manage to draft Lonzo Ball, but they also lucked into the steal of the 2017 NBA Draft. Kyle Kuzma was selected with the 27th overall pick, but he’s arguably been the second best player to come out of the draft.
Kuzma is a 6-foot-10 freakish athlete that can defend, score and distribute. So far, so good.
Kuzma has put the NBA on alert since his breakout summer league performance where he averaged 22 points, six rebounds and three assists at the Las Vegas Summer League. Kuzma has a polished game that could have him finishing second in the NBA’s Rookie of the Year race.