Kyle Kuzma reflects on how LeBron James' and LA Lakers' separate fanbases add to the pressure of playing for 17-time champions
Kyle Kuzma believes playing alongside LeBron James adds to the pressure of playing for the LA Lakers. Kuzma played for the Lakers during the first four seasons of his career. He experienced the team's highs and lows during that stretch.
Upon James' arrival in 2018, the Lakers were once again among the most popular teams in the media. The fanbase had the same excitement as they did during the Kobe Bryant era. Along with Lakers fans, LeBron's fanbase brought more attention to the team.
Playing for the LA Lakers can be mentally taxing as they are always in the public eye, so James' addition only added to that. Here's what Kyle Kuzma told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski on "The Woj Pod" reflecting on his stint with the Lakers and the scrutiny he faced:
"Not everybody can be a Laker. That's why you see so many guys who come there, they play a little different. The lights are really bright, you're always talked about. And then... Now you add LeBron to the mix.
"He has his own set of fans, right, so now you got a double whammy, and you know, it's always going to be drama. That's LA."
Kyle Kuzma blossomed into one of the best role players in the league during his time with the LA Lakers. However, he had the potential to inch closer to becoming an All-Star once he left the team. During his time there, especially after James' arrival, Kuzma was criticized massively for his inconsistent performances.
However, he has turned things around by playing on a team that isn't as closely monitored as the Lakers. Kuzma is averaging a career-high 21.7 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists (career-high) with the Washington Wizards this season.
The Woj Pod with Wizards star @kylekuzma: On his breakout season, looming free agency/future with Washington, winning title with Lakers, fashion fame, playing with LeBron, Flint, more.
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Click here to listen to Kyle Kuzma's interview on "The Woj Pod."
Kyle Kuzma was spot on with his assessment of LeBron James and LA Lakers
The LA Lakers and LeBron James are the two entities that are the most talked about in NBA media circles. Their partnership only helped both parties draw more attention. The situation with the team since the start of last season is a perfect example of that.
The Lakers formed one of the most talented and star-studded rosters in NBA history during the 2021 offseason. They made a blockbuster deal to acquire Russell Westbrook in exchange for Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Montrezl Harrell. Kuzma and KCP's inclusion meant the Lakers had moved on from their championship-winning core.
They didn't have the space to sign Alex Caruso after taking on Westbrook's $51 million salary over the next two seasons.
The Lakers added veterans like Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard to the veteran minimum deals. The roster looked worthy of contending, but their on-court fit was terrible. The Lakers finished with a 33-49 record, finishing 11th in the West.
The LA Lakers let go of their best assets and draft capital in a flurry, leaving them with no room to improve their roster. They entered the current season as underdogs and have played line one so far, boasting a 20-25 record and ranking 13th in the conference.
However, they remain under the spotlight due to LeBron James' presence. LA continues to bag national TV coverage, and that's unlikely to change until "King James" leaves the team. He is currently under contract until 2025, with the final year being a player option.