Disagree here. His role changed dramatically since his rookie year. Basically a 6% to 10% drop in shots within 3'. Shot form revamps taking more than 1 year to get good. He focused on defense. He was a finisher rookie year, and tried to add 3/D level decision making. https://twitter.com/_JasonLT/status/1334732121793986561

Laker player development has always been good. Not stellar, not poor. The biggest deficit here is how players were optimized. Lonzo probably had his best role in NOH w Jrue as his UCLA Aaron Holiday. BI's role changed w skill development.

But the toughest adjustment is when top tier option types in HS and NCAA accept role player responsibilities. Easier adjustment for veterans. They understand the game more. Not so easy for guys on rookie contracts just trying to get to the 2nd contract and be established.

Players want to stick with what worked for them and got them to the NBA. It wasn't Zo being a #1 playmaker, but a complementary one next to a PG. In this case, Kuzma spotting up and attacking closeouts, not making the extra reads for better shots and facilitate ball movement.

He flashed those abilities in the playoffs, but to me, it's the difference between good individual stats vs winning basketball. There's a ton of finishers/spot up guys in the league, but teams want a 3 and D guy that makes good decisions decisively.

Kuzma can be that guy. What makes him different is his intermediate floater game.

When will it click? That's tough to say.