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Lakers trying Kyle Kuzma at backup center after he added strength and versatility this summer

When the Lakers opened their gym this past summer to reporters wanting to cover workouts for NBA draft prospects, one player who wasn’t part of those workouts was almost always there.

Forward Kyle Kuzma spent most of his summer in the Lakers’ facility. When reporters entered the gym, he sometimes politely asked that they not record his activities — he preferred to keep his development quiet.

Five months after the close of his rookie season, Kuzma has returned stronger and with a more varied set of skills. Now the Lakers are challenging him to use those in unique ways.