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Grading the LA Lakers supporting cast after opening 25 games
Kyle Kuzma: B+
2020-21 Season Record - MPG: 24.0 PPG: 10.1 AST: 1.1 REB: 5.8 FG%: 43.0
Kyle Kuzma is playing some of his best basketball away from the spotlight of being an LA Lakers' starter. The 6-foot-9 forward has taken on his role as a hustling rebounder who can also provide efficient wing shooting. Kuzma is averaging a career-high 37.1% from beyond the arc while also grabbing a far greater amount of boards per 36 minutes (8.7), which includes 2.6 offensive rebounds, an asset of his game he has drastically improved.
Montrezl Harrell: B+
2020-21 Season Record - MPG: 24.9 PPG: 13.2 AST: 1.0 REB: 6.4 FG%: 64.2
Harrell has brought his infectious energy across town to the LA Lakers this season. While not seeing as many minutes as he did with the Clippers, the center has provided a different dimension and youthfulness to the Lakers inside play. The 27-year old is averaging 64% from the field while shooting a career-high 73.8% from the free-throw line.
Wesley Matthews: C+
2020-21 Season Record - MPG: 19.8 PPG: 5.3 AST: 1.0 REB: 1.2 FG%: 42.7
Wesley Matthews' impact on the Lakers is less about scoring and more about the experience and leadership he can provide down the stretch and in the playoffs. At 34, Matthews best defensive-hustling days are behind him, though he is another Laker player shooting the ball at a high-clip from downtown (40%).
Alex Caruso: B
2020-21 Season Record - MPG: 18.6 PPG: 5.5 AST: 2.1 REB: 2.4 FG%: 45.9
Another player to add to the Lakers' long line of hustlers on defense is Alex Caruso. The fourth-year guard is averaging a steal per game from the bench and provides the franchise's backcourt with a significant size boost. Caruso is also another option on the boundary for the Lakers, shooting the 3-ball with an efficiency of 47.6%.
Talen Horton-Tucker: B
2020-21 Season Record - MPG: 17.0 PPG: 7.4 AST: 1.8 REB: 2.7 FG%: 39
THT developed quite the hype with his preseason performances for the LA Lakers; though considering the side's depth, has struggled to be a consistent provider on the offensive end. Still, his size is a valuable asset on defense and he will be a valuable player for the side in the years to come.
Markieff Morris: C+
2020-21 Season Record - MPG: 15.1 PPG: 4.4 AST: 0.9 REB: 2.7 FG%: 47.3
Another victim of the LA Lakers' bubble performances is Markieff Morris. The power forward is proving less effective off the LA Lakers' bench this season, though could still prove vital in the playoffs given his experience and hustle.
Quinn Cook, Jared Dudley, Kostas Antetokounmpo, Alfonso McKinnie:
Completing the rest of the LA Lakers roster, these players have thus far played insufficient minutes to warrant a realistic grade.
