Lakers' 2017 Draft Pick: Who Was Selected At 27?

Hey basketball fanatics! Ever wondered about the Los Angeles Lakers' draft strategy back in 2017? Specifically, who did the Purple and Gold select with the 27th overall pick? Well, buckle up, because we're about to dive deep into the 2017 NBA Draft and uncover the player the Lakers chose. This draft was particularly interesting for the Lakers, as they were in the midst of rebuilding and looking for young talent to complement their core. The 2017 draft class was touted as having a lot of potential, and the Lakers were hoping to find a hidden gem with their late first-round pick. Their scouting department had their work cut out for them, as they needed to identify a player who could contribute immediately or develop into a valuable asset down the road. The pressure was on, as every pick could potentially impact the team's future success. Let's get right to it, the 27th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, selected by the Los Angeles Lakers, was Kyle Kuzma. Yes, you heard that right, Kyle Kuzma, the versatile forward who quickly became a fan favorite. This selection turned out to be a solid one for the Lakers, as Kuzma showed flashes of brilliance and became a key part of the team during the early stages of their rebuild. So, if you were curious about who the Lakers picked with the 27th pick in 2017, the answer is Kyle Kuzma.

Kyle Kuzma: The Lakers' Choice and Early Career

Alright, let's talk more about Kyle Kuzma. After the Lakers drafted Kyle Kuzma, he quickly made an impact on the team. Coming out of Utah, Kuzma was known for his scoring ability and versatility, being able to score from the perimeter and finish around the basket. His athleticism and scoring instincts were immediately apparent in Summer League, where he shined and ultimately earned the Summer League MVP award. This early success set the tone for his rookie season. He impressed everyone with his scoring ability and was a consistent presence in the Lakers' lineup. His ability to score, rebound, and even pass the ball, made him a valuable asset. He quickly developed a strong connection with the fans, who were excited to see a young player with such potential. Kuzma's energy and passion for the game were infectious, and he quickly became a fan favorite. The Lakers' front office must have been thrilled with their pick, as Kuzma exceeded expectations. In his rookie season, Kuzma averaged 16.1 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team, a testament to his impressive debut. Throughout his time with the Lakers, he displayed a knack for scoring and an ability to make highlight-reel plays. He was often seen driving to the basket, shooting from deep, and even making some impressive passes. While his tenure with the Lakers was marked by flashes of brilliance, he was traded to the Washington Wizards in 2021 as part of a package for Russell Westbrook. So, yeah, Kuzma definitely left a mark on the Lakers franchise, and his selection as the 27th pick in the 2017 draft proved to be a smart move by the team.

Kuzma's Impact and Contribution to the Lakers

Kyle Kuzma's impact on the Lakers extended beyond his individual statistics. He brought a sense of excitement and energy to the team, which was much needed during the rebuilding phase. He played with passion and a visible joy for the game, something that resonated with the fans. His scoring ability was a major asset, giving the Lakers another offensive weapon to rely on. He was never afraid to take a big shot and often delivered in clutch moments. Beyond his on-court contributions, Kuzma was also a good teammate. He was well-liked in the locker room and always supported his fellow players. This positive atmosphere contributed to the team's overall chemistry and helped foster a sense of camaraderie. While he wasn't a superstar, Kuzma was a valuable role player, who was willing to do whatever was asked of him. He was a solid rebounder, a willing passer, and he always gave 100% effort on the court. He was an integral part of the team's progress during those early years of the rebuild. The Lakers were building a foundation for future success, and Kuzma was an important piece of that foundation. His selection was an example of the value that can be found in the late first-round draft picks. The Lakers' scouting department identified a player who not only had the talent but also the character to contribute to the team's culture. In a nutshell, Kuzma's stint with the Lakers was a success, and he left a positive mark on the franchise. The fans loved him, his teammates respected him, and he helped the team take a step forward. He was a key part of their journey, and his contribution to the team's culture was significant.

The Significance of the 2017 NBA Draft for the Lakers

The 2017 NBA Draft was a pivotal moment for the Los Angeles Lakers. They were in the middle of a major rebuild, trying to move on from the Kobe Bryant era and build a new contender. The draft was crucial for the Lakers, as they needed to bring in young talent to improve their roster. They had the second overall pick, which they used to select Lonzo Ball, and the 27th pick, where they chose Kyle Kuzma. This draft was considered deep with potential, and the Lakers had the opportunity to add players who would play key roles in their future. The selection of Ball and Kuzma was a key part of the team's strategy, designed to infuse the roster with youth and talent. The choices would either make or break the Lakers' chances of returning to prominence. The performance of these players would be central to the team's future success. The selections of Ball and Kuzma showed that the Lakers were prioritizing players with high potential, who could develop into key contributors. The hope was that these two, along with the other young players on the roster, would form the core of a championship-caliber team. The draft was a critical test of the Lakers' front office's decision-making skills, as their choices would shape the team's trajectory for years to come. In retrospect, the draft was a mix of hits and misses for the Lakers. While Kuzma proved to be a valuable player, Ball's tenure was cut short due to injuries and inconsistent play. However, the 2017 draft was significant because it marked the beginning of a new era for the Lakers. The team started to move towards a new identity, and the draft helped set the stage for the arrival of LeBron James the following year, which would accelerate their rebuild and bring them back to the spotlight. The Lakers' choices in this draft set them on a new path, influencing how they would compete in the coming years.

Other Notable Players Drafted in 2017

Besides Kyle Kuzma, the 2017 NBA Draft class was filled with talent. It's always interesting to see who was selected before and after the Lakers' pick, right? For context, let's take a look at some other notable players who were drafted in 2017. At the top of the draft, the Philadelphia 76ers selected Markelle Fultz with the first overall pick. While he hasn't quite lived up to the hype, he's shown flashes of potential. The Boston Celtics snagged Jayson Tatum with the third pick, and he has developed into a superstar. De'Aaron Fox was selected fifth overall by the Sacramento Kings, and he has become a key player for them. Other notable players from this draft class include Lonzo Ball, who went second overall to the Lakers, Donovan Mitchell (13th pick), and Bam Adebayo (14th pick). This draft class proved to be deep, with several players becoming key contributors for their teams. Many teams found impactful players who have become key pieces of their teams' rosters. It shows that even with later picks, teams can find players who can make a significant impact. It really is a fascinating thing to observe. Looking back at the draft, it's evident that there were some hits and misses throughout the entire league. Overall, the 2017 draft class has proven to be quite impressive, with multiple All-Stars and key role players emerging. The success of these players has made the 2017 draft a significant one in recent NBA history. It's a testament to the importance of scouting and player development in the league.

Conclusion: Recap of the Lakers' 2017 Draft Pick

Alright, so to recap, the Los Angeles Lakers drafted Kyle Kuzma with the 27th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. This selection proved to be a solid one for the Lakers, as Kuzma became a valuable player for the team, showcasing his scoring ability and versatility. He quickly became a fan favorite and contributed to the Lakers' rebuilding efforts. The 2017 draft was a pivotal moment for the Lakers, as they aimed to build a new contender. The choices made in this draft helped set the stage for the arrival of LeBron James the following year. The draft was important for the Lakers. With the 27th pick, they selected a player who had a positive impact on the team's culture. The overall 2017 draft class was filled with talent, with several players becoming key contributors in the league. It's a reminder of how important the draft is for teams trying to build for the future. So, if you're ever asked about the Lakers' 27th pick in the 2017 draft, you'll know that the answer is Kyle Kuzma. He was a good player for the team, and he was able to contribute immediately. The choice helped shape the team's roster during the rebuilding phase. It was a good draft for the Lakers, and they set themselves up nicely for the future. The impact of Kuzma and other players from the draft class is still felt in the league today.