Kyle Kuzma Calls 2017 Lakers Summer League Roster the Best Ever
kyle-kuzma-calls-2017-lakers-summer-league-best-ever
Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma said he believes the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2017 entry in the Las Vegas Summer League is the greatest squad the event has ever seen.
Speaking on the “White Noise” podcast, Kuzma recalled a lineup that featured Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, Ivica Zubac, Thomas Bryant, Alex Caruso and sharpshooter Matt Thomas.
“We had the best Summer League team of all time,” Kuzma said, noting that each game at the Thomas & Mack Center was sold out. The 2017 Lakers went on to win the Summer League championship, with Ball earning tournament MVP honors.
Star-studded roster paved the way to NBA success
Several members of that roster have since become key NBA contributors. Ingram is a multi-time All-Star, while Kuzma, Hart and Caruso all played rotation roles on championship teams. Zubac has established himself as a starting center, and Bryant has built a career as a reliable backup who also owns a title ring.
Contrast with 2024 squad
This year’s Lakers Summer League team, led by Cameron Carr, Adou Thiero and Arthur Kaluma, opened 4-0 before falling to the Golden State Warriors in the semifinals. Kaluma averaged 18.6 points on 60.9% shooting in Las Vegas and has been rewarded with a two-way contract; guard Peter Suder was waived to clear the roster spot.
Source: Lakers Nation
