Kuzma: I can become Lakers' 3rd superstar

The Los Angeles Lakers overhauled their roster after failing to reach the playoffs last season, with the biggest move being a trade for superstar Anthony Davis, which saw the Lakers give up most of their young core pieces - except for one.

In negotiations with the New Orleans Pelicans, the Lakers reportedly made it clear that forward Kyle Kuzma was off-limits. Kuzma is expected to play a major role alongside Davis and LeBron James going forward, and the 24-year-old is aiming even higher, believing he has what it takes to become the third member of a Big Three.

"I don't feel no pressure, but I believe that I am capable of being that superstar," Kuzma said, according to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. "I put a lot of work in. My progress through my journey shows that I can be there. I developed every single year, dating back to college, and I don't see that development stunting at all."

Kuzma has surpassed expectations since being selected No. 27 overall in 2017, averaging 17.3 points and 5.9 rebounds through his first two NBA seasons. However, he shot just 30.3 percent from the perimeter in 2018-19 despite being viewed as a stretch-four.

"Last year I didn't shoot the ball well, and I still averaged almost 20 (points)," Kuzma added. "If I can shoot the ball well and keep developing the facets of my game defensively, I don't see why I can't (be that third star)."

Just six members of the Lakers' 15-man roster played for the team last season, as Los Angeles traded away six players - including youngsters Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Josh Hart - in the deal that netted Davis.