LeBron James hypes up Kyle Kuzma, believes he will take a 'Giant Leap' this season

LeBron James and Kyle Kuzma led the Los Angeles Lakers to their 17th NBA championship in October. However, Kyle Kuzma has been a key factor of the team's victory, efficiently scoring when they need him to. Playing with the team for three seasons now, his game time was reduced to 25 minutes per game in 2019-20 after Davis' arrival to the team. However, James' recent tweet hints at a possible change for the 25-year-old. 

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LeBron James believes Kyle Kuzma will make a big leap this season

Kyle Kuzma! https://t.co/W2oDJkFLP7

— LeBron James (@KingJames)

On Friday, Hoop Central tweeted to their followers, asking which player will take a big leap according to them. LeBron James surprised fans by replying with Kyle Kuzma's name. Amid numerous trade rumours about Kuzma and his stay in LA, James might have confirmed the former's future with the team. 

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Kyle Kuzma Lakers contract details

Kyle Kuzma said his agent and the Lakers have talked about a contract extension but wouldn’t provide much detail after that: “We’ll see”

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten)

Speculations about a Kuzma trade started earlier with the year, where reports hinted at the team wanting to bring in a more efficient fifth man to the team. However, Kuzma stayed with the team. Last month, ESPN's Brian Windhorst spoke about Kuzma wanting to bigger and better contract from the Lakers. As of now, the team and Kuzma have discussed a contract, which is yet to be finalized.

Kyle Kuzma is looking for a ‘sizable deal' from the Lakers, per Brian Windhorst

"From what I understand, [he] is expecting a sizable deal, hoping for a sizable deal."

(h/t @LakersSBN ) pic.twitter.com/9l9XMuzIre

— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral)

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“I just want to build on what I did in the playoffs from a defensive standpoint... and improve my all-around game.”

Hear more from @kylekuzma tonight at 6PM on 𝑨𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑺𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒔𝑵𝒆𝒕: 𝑳𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒓𝒔! pic.twitter.com/5soHJRCNuO

— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN)

Kyle Kuzma stats

Kyle Kuzma when starting last season:

20.9 PPG
5.4 RPG
2.3 APG
45% FG
36% 3PT pic.twitter.com/QVznSYI1GM

— Top Ball Coverage (@TopBallCoverage)

This season, Kuzma averaged 12.8 points and 4.5 rebounds this season while shooting 43.6% from the field. However, this is the worst Kuzma has averaged, falling from his 18.7-point average in 2018-19. Davis' arrival has set the young player back, giving him a lesser role on the field. When Kuzma starts, however, he has averaged 20.9 points this season, shooting 36% from the three-point range. 

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(Image credits: Kyle Kuzma Instagram, AP)