Imagine how mad LeBron would be if, in addition to Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball being underwhelming components of the Lakers’ young core, Kyle Kuzma where also an underwhelming component of the core. He would probably demand a trade to the Pacers so he could win uncontested championships in the East with little to no media pressure. However, that sad fate is avoided due to Kuzma’s status as a young core piece that can be part of a LeBron-led squad without LeBron having to feel like he’s dragging his useless teammates through games.
Kuzma is averaging nineteen points per game and is now the first option with LeBron out. Some games it doesn’t go as well for him, because he’s only in his second year and can’t be expected to be a star night in and night out, but then he has games like this, or his 41-point game a week ago, and you start wondering, is LeBron holding this guy down? Obviously, a team could never say no to LeBron wanting to join, but it will often come at the expense of other players on the roster.
Next question: is Kuzma better than any teammate that LeBron had on any of his pre-Heatles Cavaliers teams? Off the top of my head, I’m leaning yes. For example, he is better than Boobie Gibson and Drew Gooden combined. That counts for something.