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SALT LAKE CITY — Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma started his morning much the same way he did during his four years attending the University of Utah: with breakfast.
Ahead of the second half of a back-to-back against the Utah Jazz, the 22-year-old rookie rose early to retreat to a local favorite — the famed Park Café — for a little comfort food.
His order?
None other than a breakfast special known as the “Michigan Hash,” which mixes everything from potatoes, sausage, onions, mushrooms and peppers before being dressed in cheese and two eggs.
“I get that every time,” Kuzma said.
But in truth, Kuzma did not get much beyond breakfast in his return to Salt Lake City, as the former Ute’s rapid rise took a slight detour on Saturday night. The rookie played like one in a 96-81 loss to the Jazz, totaling nine points on 4-of-10 shooting while adding three rebounds and as many assists.
One night after notching the first double-double of his career, Kuzma said the game is already slowing down for him but also acknowledged he has a long way to go.
“A lot to learn,” Kuzma said. “Didn’t rebound enough. Didn’t hit enough shots. So there’s always learning.”
Before the game, Kuzma chatted with his college coach Larry Krystkowiak and interacted with fans during shootaround. He was met with a chorus of cheers when he checked into the game during the first quarter and later in the third quarter when he hit a three to cut the Lakers’ deficit to six.
Because of the special circumstances, Saturday was something of a home and road game for him.
“It’s cool,” Kuzma said of playing in Utah again. “I spent like four years of my life here. It’s a very special place for me, so to come back and play in front of, not necessarily a home crowd, but a lot of fans that are here today, so that was pretty awesome.”
Saturday’s game punctuated a busy week for Kuzma, who played 22 minutes against the Jazz after playing 30+ minutes in the previous three games. In a close game that saw the Jazz pull away late in the fourth quarter, Kuzma said that playing at altitude in a back-to-back played a role in the eventual outcome.
Lakers head coach Luke Walton, for his part, was pleased with Kuzma’s energy level.
“His energy is always high,” Walton said. “He’s always excited to play. If we’re playing three-on-three after practice, he’s excited to play. It wasn’t noticeable or any different.”
Kuzma has been on a steady rise since declaring for the draft in March. Initially projected as a late second-round talent, his strong showings at the draft combine and in pre-draft workouts led him to be selected by the Lakers with the 27th overall pick — acquired from the Brooklyn Nets via trade — in June’s draft.
Shortly thereafter, Kuzma continued to impress in the Las Vegas Summer League, where per-game averages of 21.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 1.4 blocks earned him the tournament’s MVP award. He also shined in the Lakers’ six preseason games.
“I think what is most impressive about him is his consistency that he’s shown us since we drafted him, and in summer league, coming in and working out during the offseason,” Walton said, adding, “We’re very happy he’s a part of our team.”
