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Suns vs Lakers: Should Kyle Kuzma start for LA in regular season? Fans want him to 'keep balling'

The Lakers pipped the Phoenix Suns 112-107 in their third preseason game and it was Kuzma leading from the front with 23 points, three rebounds, and two assists

Even as all eyes are on Talen Horton-Tucker, the 20-year-old rookie sensation impressing for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA 2020-21 preseason, Kyle Kuzma has quietly been making a case for himself with a string of scintillating performances. The Lakers pipped the Phoenix Suns 112-107 in their third preseason game and it was Kuzma leading from the front with 23 points, three rebounds, and two assists. LeBron James and Anthony Davis played for 15 and 18 minutes scoring 10 and 11 points respectively.

Prior to this game, Kuzma has averaged 21.5 points with 13 FG's and a three-point FG of 46.2% for the side in the preseason games they have played so far and Twitter hoped he would continue to maintain the same level of consistency. Some fans also hoped these performances would see Kuzma perhaps starting for the Lakers when they take on the Los Angeles Clippers in their regular season opener on December 22.

"Remains to be seen if this is at all feasible (it is if the Lakers aren’t afraid to pay tons of luxury tax), but - Would love nothing more than for AD, THT, Kuzma, Caruso, & KCP to still be playing with each other even after LeBron’s tenure with the Lakers is done," read one of the tweets. "Kyle Kuzma going back to rookie year Kuz & THT showing he ain't a fluke!" read one of the comments after his brilliant outing against the Suns.
 

That the slot would be a toss-up between Horton-Tucker and Kuzma shouldn't come as a surprise. Some fans felt Kuzma deserved a chance. "THT and Kuz together are wonderful. I would still pick Kuzma over THT. His 3 point release looks effortless and he's automatic from the corners," opined a fan.

There was a marked improvement from his previous season. "Kuzma has been really good this pre season (remains to be seen if it translates) but process over results. Lot of shots coming off cuts/screen action where he can just catch and shoot or finish," wrote one of the fans. "Kuzma been balling as of late man I’m impressed #LakeShow" and "Please let Kuzma start" were some of the recurring tweets.
 

With this, Lakers fans have a lot to look forward to. "3-0 In Preseason! With how @kylekuzma and @Thortontucker are doing in the preseason, I’m definitely looking forward to watching this team this upcoming season! #LakeShow." read one of the tweets.

Kuzma's 2019-20 season saw him average 12.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists. The Lakers have one more preseason game to go against the Suns and this will mean another opportunity for Kuzma to cement a place in the starting side against the Clippers.

What are your thoughts on Kuzma's consistent preseason performances?