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Lakers Nation > Blog > Lakers News > Lakers News: Kyle Kuzma Focused On Remaining True To Self Through Season That’s Tested Him ‘Physically And Mentally’
Lakers News

Lakers News: Kyle Kuzma Focused On Remaining True To Self Through Season That’s Tested Him ‘Physically And Mentally’

Matthew Moreno
Published: 03/25/2019
2 Min Read
Kyle Kuzma, Nemanja Bjelica, Lakers, Kings
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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After a season in which the Los Angeles Lakers received encouraging contributions from Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma, the young core faced the challenge of playing under intense expectations that come with LeBron James being part of the team.

Although the Lakers were projected by many to end their playoff drought, it instead was extended to a sixth consecutive season. This year is the first time since James’ second season that he won’t be in the playoffs, and his eight-year NBA Finals streak was snapped.

Similar to last season, the Lakers young core has had its moments, but there have also been times where they appeared overwhelmed. Particularly when the team was involved in Anthony Davis trade rumors.

Kuzma was among the players to voice a sense of relief after the deadline passed. He also admitted to being impacted by the rampant speculation that was more public than is customary with trade talks.

Despite being eliminated from the playoffs and mired in a season-high tying five-game losing streak, the Lakers played with energy and focus against the Sacramento Kings. Kuzma erupted for 21 of the Lakers’ 39 points in the third quarter.

The win, just the Lakers’ second of the month, was a moment of satisfaction, even if only for one night. “It’s been a long, grueling season, both physically and mentally,” Kuzma said.

“It’s going to come with the territory of playing in the NBA. It’s going to happen. Everybody’s human. People don’t talk about the mental side of things a lot in life, but that’s way more important than physical exhaustion.”

Kuzma maintained he’s managed to cope with mental fatigue and largely avoid it impacting him physically. “Just try to stay with it, try to remain me, have joy for the game,” he said. “Through all the ups and downs, just try to be me.”

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TAGGED:Kyle KuzmaLos Angeles Lakers
ByMatthew Moreno
Matthew Moreno is a journalist from Whittier, Calif., who is a credentialed reporter and is currently the Managing Editor of DodgerBlue.com and LakersNation.com. In addition to covering Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angels Lakers games, Matthew has a strong passion for keeping up to date with the sneakerhead culture. It began with Michael Jordan and Air Jordan shoes, and has carried over to Kobe Bryant's signature line with Nike. Matthew previously was the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Trojans Football. Matthew graduated from California State Long Beach University with a major in journalism and minor in communications. Contact: matt@mediumlargela.com
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