Although LeBron James and Anthony Davis are skipping this summer’s FIBA World Cup like most of the NBA’s biggest stars, one Laker will have more of an opportunity to join the team that will represent the United States later this summer in China.
Kuzma, who played only 10 minutes in last night’s Red, White and Blue scrimmage in Las Vegas, survived the first round of cuts that whittled the roster down to 17 players. Only 12 players will make the team that go to China as USA Basketball embarks on a trip to California next week before they play against Spain’s national team on Friday.
Bam Adebayo and Thaddeus Young were the first cuts for Team USA while Derrick White and Marvin Bagley were both promoted to the current 17-man roster from the Select Team, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.
Kuzma has been saying all the right things about embracing whatever role is asked of him with the Lakers and he may have the chance to practice that under Popovich, should he make the final roster.
