Kyle Kuzma took on an expanded role in 2018-19 and enjoyed a successful campaign overall. The second-year forward was asked to take on a heavy workload due to extended absences from the likes of Lonzo Ball, LeBron James and Rajon Rondo, and Kuzma responded by emerging as the Lakers' second-leading scorer. He averaged 18.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists across 33.1 minutes per contest on the season and increased that production with James out of the lineup. With James out due to a groin injury from Dec. 27 to Jan. 29, Kuzma played 13 games, averaging 21.5 points. He tallied 32 points twice and notched a career-high 41 points Jan. 9 against the Pistons. Kuzma shot 45.6 percent from the field and 30.3 percent from three-point range on the year. He played in 70 games, starting all but two contests, and collected four double-doubles. On March 15 at Detroit, Kuzma dished out a career-high 10 assists. Kuzma racked up seven performances with at least 30 points, three games with double-digit rebounds and 12 contests with more than four assists. On defense, Kuzma provided at least two steals in nine games. He saw 40-plus minutes on seven occasions, averaging 27.9 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists in those matchups.

Kuzma's first NBA campaign cannot be viewed as anything other than an overwhelming success. As a result of an excellent all-around performance, the 27th overall selection in the 2017 Draft was voted to the NBA's All-Rookie First Team. His season got off to a fast start. Kuzma managed to score in double figures in 28 of his first 31 contests. Included in that stretch were 12 20-point games and three 30-point efforts. Kuzma posted a season-high 38 points during a Dec. 20 win over Houston. He was also rewarded for his efforts by being named NBA Rookie of the Month for November. While all the points were great, Kuzma quickly proved he was more than just a one-trick pony. His 6.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists qualified as respectable stats for a first-year pro. Kuzma finished with a season-high 15 rebounds in a loss to Dallas on Feb. 10, while adding a personal-best six assists against the Bucks on Mar. 30.