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#3 Kyle Kuzma
Kyle Kuzma was one of the top young prospects for the LA Lakers in his first two seasons with the team. His average dropped to roughly 12 points per game in his third and fourth season, six points less than what he was averaging in his sophomore year.
The inclusion of LeBron James and Anthony Davis complicated Kuzma's role with the squad. He failed to perform consistently because of that but did develop his all-around game in the meantime. Kuzma was traded to the Washington Wizards in the offseason as part of a trade package that saw Russell Westbrook join the LA Lakers.
Kuzma could flourish as he did in his first two seasons or even do better with the Washington Wizards in a clearer role. He has been under the wing of LeBron James and Anthony Davis for the last two seasons, which could come in handy as well.
Former LA Lakers players like Brandon Ingram and Julius Randle won the Most Improved Player of the Year award after leaving the Lakers, and there is a great chance Kuzma could replicate that kind of achievement.
#2 Jordan Clarkson
Jordan Clarkson is coming off a career-high season with the Utah Jazz. He is also the reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year. Clarkson was instrumental in helping the Jazz achieve the best record in the league last season and finish atop the Western Conference standings.
He is expected to play a similar role in the 2021-22 NBA season as well. He averaged a whopping 18.4 points per contest and shot a career-best 3.1 threes per game. Clarkson's staggering production was crucial in helping him land the Sixth Man of the Year award last season. If he can replicate those numbers, it won't be a surprise to see him win the award for a second consecutive season.
#1 Lonzo Ball
Lonzo Ball is coming off a career-best season with the New Orleans Pelicans. He averaged 14.6 points per game and shot 37.8% from the three-point line last season on eight attempts. He joined the Chicago Bulls this offseason. The Bulls have added a plethora of stars like Alex Caruso and DeMar DeRozan as well, which has given them an edge to make the playoffs next season.
Ball has shown steady improvements over the last few years. With the Bulls looking like a winning team at the moment, he could do much better and end up winning the Most Improved Player of the Year award. He has the tools and a legitimate shot at making his first playoff appearance, which will only bolster his chances of winning an individual NBA award like the MIPOY.
