Lakers news: Kyle Kuzma delivers LeBron James warning to NBA rivals
LAKERS NEWS - Kyle Kuzma insists many people are ‘underestimating’ the Lakers’ potential this season despite the arrival of LeBron James.
LeBron James trains with Los Angeles Lakers for first time
LeBron James was the biggest name through the door at the Lakers this summer, signing a four-year, $154 million deal after calling time on his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson, JaVale McGee and Michael Beasley have also been added to the Lakers’ roster alongside a young, talented group of players.
And Kuzma has warned his NBA rivals the Los Angeles based franchise are ready to cause a few upsets with James leading the charge.
"We are both definitely excited about the roster and the pieces that we have," Kuzma said.
Having one of the greatest players of all time is going to raise what we do, raise our level of focus and the team to a higher level.
"And we think that a lot of people are underestimating us. It is definitely going to be fun playing with all these new guys.
“A lot of people say we got a lot of different people, a lot of new people
"But change can be a good thing. It is not necessarily always a bad thing.
“There's a lot of teams in the NBA that need to work on their chemistry; we are just one of them."
Reports suggest James may have to wait another season before the Lakers can reach their full potential with more big-name signings.
But Kuzma believes the arrival of James will see them push on from last season right from the off.
"I don't know why people kind of just rule us out because we are young," said Kuzma.
"We are hungry. We are competitive. Anybody that watched us play last year, we were in a lot of games.
"Having one of the greatest players of all time is going to raise what we do, raise our level of focus and the team to a higher level.
“I don't really see why [there is a need to be] so patient."
Kuzma will be looking to build on the 16.1 points and 6.3 rebounds per game he averaged last season as a rookie to challenge NBA champions Golden State Warriors.