The Los Angeles Lakers were able to secure four draft picks during the 2017 NBA Draft, choosing Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Josh Hart, and Thomas Bryant. However, there was uncertainty entering draft night on how the events would turn out and how the trade between the Lakers and Brooklyn Nets would pan out.
The Lakers acquired the 27th overall pick from the Nets, which then turned into Kuzma. The 22-year-old put on an exhibition during the 2017 Las Vegas Summer League, helping the Lakers capture the title and being named the Finals MVP. Kuzma has emerged as the potential steal of the draft, with an offensive onslaught and a certain confidence needed at the NBA level.