Lakers' Kyle Kuzma hopes to improve 'all-around game' next season

Kyle Kuzma helped the Lakers win a championship in just his third year in the league, but the young forward says he's still committed to getting better and helping Los Angeles repeat.

"I just want to build on what I did in the playoffs from a defensive standpoint ... and improve my all-around game," Kuzma told Lakers reporter Mike Trudell.

Kuzma saw his role on the team reduced last season due to the addition of Anthony Davis, but he still proved to be a valuable contributor for the Lakers, averaging 12.8 points in 25 minutes per game. However, his numbers dropped even more in the playoffs, as he scored only 10 points per game, though he did hit 50% of his postseason three-pointers.

But as Kuzma noted, his greatest contribution on the Lakers was on the defensive end, especially in the playoffs. While Kuzma was a below-average defender during the regular season, he stepped up his game in the postseason, helping Los Angeles become a defensive unit no opponent could beat. If Kuzma can make another defensive leap this season, it would greatly help his future finances.

Kuzma is likely motivated by his desire to land a hefty contract, as he is set to hit free agency after the season. According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, Kuzma expects a "sizable deal" from the Lakers, though the team may need to see more out of him to meet his expectations, as they gave a two-year extension to LeBron James and a five-year deal to Anthony Davis.