Lakers’ Kyle Kuzma Trying to Shake ‘Zombie’ Mentality

Los Angeles Lakers star Kyle Kuzma discussed the zombie mentality, offering his thoughts on the possible changes.

The young player is well aware of the fact that his offensive opportunities will be limited in the regular season. However, instead of complaining, Kuzma is trying to find ways to impact the team.

“I don’t really get the ball as much, so I’ve got to figure out ways to impact things, figure out ways to be on the court for this team,” Kuzma said Friday. “Obviously I’m a small/power forward and those two positions are the two best players in the league, so it’s going to be very scarce out there for me from an offensive standpoint. So for me, I’ve got to figure out ways just to do other things and just not be a zombie on the court like I was a lot of last year standing around. I’m just trying to go out there and compete and see where the chips are.”

Kyle Kuzma has answered this question before, but not sure I've seen him answer it this way. When asked about his improved defense/rebounding: "I gotta figure out ways just to do other things and not be a zombie on the court like I was a lot last year."

— Kyle Goon (@kylegoon) February 19, 2021

Kyle Kuzma breaks down mentality

Kuzma has seen action in all 30 games. He had 8 starts and is averaging 25.3 minutes per game, 11 points and 6.1 rebounds. Well, NBA fans also got to see Kuzma do some of the dirty work. He also provides great hustle plays.

The young star is one of the most reliable shooters from beyond the arc. He hits at 36.2 percent for the Lakers. Kuzma is averaging 4.6 3-pointers per game, and he is second on the team. LeBron James sits on the top of the list.

“I’ve been in the league for four years,” Kuzma said in a recent interview with The Athletic, “and I think the No. 1 thing I’ve learned is adapt to survive.”

Kuzma tried really hard to adapt and his older teammates sure respect that.

#KuzControl coming out firing ?? pic.twitter.com/MJvfiySJXV

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 19, 2021

“I think this season he’s like, ‘I’m just going to go out there and play as hard as I can,’” Markieff Morris said of Kuzma. “‘If I’m the third-leading scorer or if I’m not the third-leading scorer, once I get out there I’m going to try to grab every rebound, try to steal some extra possessions for us.’ That’s what he has been doing. Every team needs guys like that and he’s taken on that role and he’s inspiring to all of us to play harder.”

We heard so many rumors about Kuzma’s potential trade. Fans don’t really think that Rob Pelinka would trade Kuzma at this point of the season.

Like all rookie extensions, Kyle Kuzma will have a poison pill restriction.

For trade purposes, the current contract of $3.6M will count as outgoing salary.

For incoming salary of the acquiring team, the average of the last year of his contract and extension is used- $10.9M.

— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) December 20, 2020

ESPN’s Bobby Marks talked about Kuzma’s deal, suggesting that his extension has a “poison pill” restriction.

Kuzma’s current contract of $3.6 million counts as outgoing salary.