Kyle Kuzma's Stats and Performance Over His Basketball Career So Far

Kyle Kuzma's Basketball Career So Far

Kyle Kuzma was born on July 24, 1995 in Flint, Michigan. He played college basketball for the Utah Utes from 2013 to 2017. In his senior season at Utah, Kuzma averaged 16.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. He shot 51.4% from the field and 32.1% from 3-point range. Kuzma was named first-team All-Pac-12 and was voted Pac-12 Player of the Year. He was selected with the 27th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft by the Brooklyn Nets, but his rights were traded to the Los Angeles Lakers on draft night.

Rookie Season With The Lakers

In his rookie season with the Lakers in 2017-18, Kuzma made the NBA All-Rookie First Team. He averaged 16.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 77 games played. Kuzma shot 45.0% from the field and 36.6% from beyond the arc. His scoring average was second among rookies behind only Ben Simmons. Kuzma scored 20+ points 24 times and 30+ points three times, with a career-high 38 points against the Rockets on December 31, 2017. He was a key part of the Lakers young core alongside Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart.

Becoming A Solid Contributor

Over the next couple seasons from 2018-2020, Kuzma continued to be a solid contributor for the Lakers. He averaged 18.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game in 2018-19. The following season, his numbers dipped slightly to 12.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game as he adjusted to a new role with the arrival of Anthony Davis. Kuzma shot 43.6% from the field and 31.6% from three during those two seasons. He helped the Lakers win the 2020 NBA championship over the Miami Heat, averaging 10.6 points during the Lakers' playoff run.

Move To The Wizards

After three seasons with the Lakers, Kuzma was traded to the Washington Wizards in August 2021 as part of the deal that sent Russell Westbrook to Los Angeles. In his first season with the Wizards in 2021-22, Kuzma had the best season of his career so far. He averaged 17.1 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game while shooting 45.2% from the field and 34.1% from 3-point range. Kuzma ranked in the top 25 in the NBA in total rebounds and 3-pointers made. He scored 30+ points seven times for the Wizards, with a season-high 36 points against the Pistons on January 11, 2022.

Kyle Kuzma's Stats and Rankings

Scoring Leader For The Wizards

In his five NBA seasons so far, Kyle Kuzma has career averages of 15.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. He has shot 44.9% from the field and 33.6% from beyond the arc. Kuzma averaged over 16 points per game in each of his first four NBA seasons before his career year in Washington where he led the Wizards in scoring at over 17 points per game.

Efficiency and Rebounding

Kuzma's field goal percentage has remained consistent, shooting between 43.6% and 45.6% every season before his uptick to 45.2% last year. His 3-point percentage was above league average in each of his first three seasons but has since regressed closer to the average. Kuzma has made strides as a rebounder since entering the league, increasing his rebounds per game every season so far up to 8.5 last year. His assists per game also saw an increase last season to a career-best 3.5.

Among League Leaders

In 2021-22, Kyle Kuzma ranked 21st in the NBA in total rebounds with 789, ahead of players like Karl-Anthony Towns and Julius Randle. He also ranked 19th in total 3-pointers made with 231. Among forwards, Kuzma was 9th in the league in rebounds per game. His player efficiency rating of 16.1 was the highest mark of his career. Kuzma's increased production last season demonstrates his continued growth and emergence as an impact player in the league.

Room To Grow

At 27 years old, Kyle Kuzma still has plenty of strong basketball ahead of him. The potential is there for him to build on last season's career year and maintain his status as a high-volume scorer and elite rebounder from the forward position. With Bradley Beal's future in Washington uncertain, the door could be open for Kuzma to take on an even larger offensive role for the Wizards moving forward. If he can improve his efficiency and defense, Kuzma has a great chance to make his first All-Star team in the coming years.

Kyle Kuzma's Outlook

Kyle Kuzma has shown steady growth over his five NBA seasons, gradually increasing his scoring, rebounding and playmaking contributions each year. He appears to be coming into his own as a versatile and productive starting forward. With Kuzma now entering his athletic prime, the expectations will be high for him to maintain or exceed last season's career-best numbers. Kuzma is locked into a long-term contract with the Wizards through 2026, so he figures to play a major part in the franchise's plans over the next several seasons. If all goes well, he could help Washington return to playoff contention in the Eastern Conference.

FAQs

What college did Kyle Kuzma play for?

Kyle Kuzma played college basketball for the University of Utah Utes from 2013 to 2017.

When was Kyle Kuzma drafted into the NBA?

Kyle Kuzma was selected 27th overall in the 2017 NBA draft by the Brooklyn Nets. His rights were then traded to the Los Angeles Lakers on draft night.

What was Kyle Kuzma's best season statistically?

Kyle Kuzma's best statistical season so far was 2021-22 with the Washington Wizards, when he averaged 17.1 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.

How many seasons did Kyle Kuzma play for the Lakers?

Kyle Kuzma played 3 seasons for the Los Angeles Lakers from 2017 to 2020, winning an NBA championship with the team in 2020.

What is Kyle Kuzma's current contract?

In August 2021, Kyle Kuzma signed a 3-year, $40 million contract extension with the Washington Wizards through the 2023-24 season.