Los Angeles Lakers: 3 players that are key to the Lakers winning the championship this season

#2 Kyle Kuzma

Kyle Kuzma is hoping to improve upon a disappointing second season

Kyle Kuzma entered the NBA in 2017 as a 22-year-old late first-round pick. Due to this, the Flint native didn't face the same scrutiny and pressure to perform as fellow Laker Lonzo Ball, and Kuzma enjoyed a memorable breakout season. However, fast forward two years and Kuzma is now among the most scrutinized players in the league.

Kuzma is the last man standing from the Lakers' much talked about young core and the power forward is coming off a season where his performances drew plenty of criticism. The 24-year-old has also been tasked with becoming the Lakers' third star alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and his impact at both ends of the court will be picked apart by the national media on a nightly basis.

It remains to be seen if Kuzma can continue to develop with the added pressure, although the Lakers' title hopes will take a major hit if the power forward fails to take his game to the next level.