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Lakers Nation > Blog > Lakers News > Lakers Training Camp: LeBron James, JaVale McGee Impressed By Kyle Kuzma After 1st Scrimmage
Lakers News

Lakers Training Camp: LeBron James, JaVale McGee Impressed By Kyle Kuzma After 1st Scrimmage

Matthew Moreno
Published: 09/27/2018
3 Min Read
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Considered by many to be the steal of the 2017 NBA Draft, Kyle Kuzma was among the reasons the Los Angeles Lakers were expected to further improve this season. That sentiment multiplied exponentially when the team signed LeBron James to a four-year contract.

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But that didn’t deter Kuzma or create any sense of comfort. Just like he stressed during his exit interview, the offseason was nonetheless used to build upon a selection to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

Kuzma drew plenty of praise throughout the offseason for his commitment in the weight room and gym, and that’s carried into Lakers training camp. “He didn’t rejoice and be happy and satisfied with his rookie season,” answered LeBron James when asked about Kuzma.

“He came back stronger and faster and more explosive.”

The Lakers held their first scrimmage of training camp on Tuesday, and Kuzma was among the standouts to JaVale McGee. The center credited the entire young core for being “hard workers.”

But as a fellow Michigan native, McGee has a certain affinity for Kuzma. “I just see that Michigan heart in him,” the veteran center said.

“You see all the players from Michigan in the league, not all of us go through trials and tribulations but you can just tell that all of the players from Michigan, we go hard. We don’t care about anything else outside of the game of basketball. We just go hard. You can see that in that young fella.”

While playing alongside James can both be a blessing and a curse, Kuzma and the rest of the young Lakers have fully embraced the opportunity and challenge. They also have made it clear they intend to do much more than simply ride his coat tail.

Kuzma in particular has taken it upon himself to seek guidance and mentoring from James.

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TAGGED:JaVale McGeeKyle KuzmaLeBron JamesLos 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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