Lakers News: Forward Ready To Thrive Alongside LeBron James, Anthony Davis In 2019-2020 NBA Season

When the Los Angeles Lakers traded for Anthony Davis, the team became a title contender for the 2019-2020 NBA season. The former New Orleans Pelicans star and LeBron James make up the league’s best duo, but L.A.’s championship hopes might hinge largely on the supporting cast.

The Lakers saw most of the NBA’s top free agents sign elsewhere as they saved their cap space for Kawhi Leonard, who ultimately joined the Los Angeles Clippers. Danny Green and DeMarcus Cousins were the Lakers’ most notable additions in free agency.

Without a third All-Star on the roster, Kyle Kuzma has become the most important role player on the Lakers. The team made sure to hold onto the forward in the Anthony Davis trade, giving up Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart and plenty of draft capital.

Kuzma is ready to reward the Lakers for keeping him in L.A.

“I don't feel no pressure, but I believe that I am capable of being that superstar,” Kuzma told ESPN. “I put a lot of work in. My progress through my journey shows that I can be there. I developed every single year, dating back to college, and I don't see that development stunting at all.”

After being taken with the No.27 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Kuzma became a First-Team All-Rookie selection by averaging 16.1 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. He was second on the Lakers in scoring in 2018-2019, averaging 18.7 points per game to go along with 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per contest.

With James and Davis on the court, Kuzma is sure to get plenty of open looks. He shot just 30.3 percent from three-point range last season after making 36.6 percent of his 5.6 threes per game as a rookie.

If Kuzma can return to being an above-average shooter from distance, he might be the perfect complement to the Lakers’ two stars.

“I've never been a ball-dominant guy,” Kuzma told ESPN. “I've always played off the ball. It is going to be a little bit easier, going to have a lot of open shots. It is my job to trust my summer workouts and what I've done. Just breathe, focus and knock those shots down, because I'm going to be open.”

By adding Leonard and Paul George to one of the deepest rosters in the league, the Clippers have become the 2020 NBA Finals favorites. That could change if Kuzma is able to approach an All-Star level.