Kyle Kuzma has been a key player in the NBA, known for his versatility, scoring ability, and confidence on the court. While he may not always be the biggest star on his team, he has played important roles—especially in the playoffs. From helping the Los Angeles Lakers win an NBA Championship in 2020 to now being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, Kuzma’s career has seen some major highs and tough moments.
Let’s take a look at his playoff performances so far and what’s next for him.
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2020 Playoffs: A Championship Run with the Lakers
Kuzma’s biggest playoff moment came during the 2019-2020 season, when he played a key supporting role in the Lakers’ championship run. The season was unique because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the NBA to hold the entire playoffs inside the Orlando "Bubble" at Disney World.
During the 2020 Playoffs, Kuzma played 21 games, averaging:
✔ 10.0 points per game
✔ 3.1 rebounds per game
✔ 43.0% shooting from the field
While these numbers weren’t superstar-level, he played important minutes off the bench, providing a scoring boost behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis. His ability to hit big shots and stretch the floor helped the Lakers win their 17th NBA Championship, securing Kuzma his first ring.
2021 Playoffs: A Tough First-Round Exit
The next season didn’t go as well for Kuzma or the Lakers. Injuries to LeBron and Anthony Davis hurt the team, and they struggled to defend their title.
In the 2021 Playoffs, Kuzma played in 6 games, averaging:
✔ 6.3 points per game
✔ 3.8 rebounds per game
✔ 29.2% field goal percentage
Unfortunately, his shooting struggles and limited impact contributed to the Lakers' first-round exit against the Phoenix Suns. It was a disappointing way to end the season, and soon after, the team traded Kuzma to the Washington Wizards.
Kuzma’s Overall Playoff Stats
Over 27 career playoff games, Kuzma has averaged:
📊 9.1 points per game
📊 3.3 rebounds per game
📊 42.0% field goal percentage
📊 31.3% from three-point range
These numbers show that he has been a solid role player in the postseason. While he’s not a dominant playoff scorer, he has shown he can contribute in key moments and be a valuable piece on a contending team.
What’s Next? A Fresh Start with the Milwaukee Bucks
As of February 2025, Kuzma is on the move again. The Washington Wizards traded him to the Milwaukee Bucks in a deal that sent Khris Middleton to Washington. This is a big move for both teams, and it gives Kuzma a chance to compete for another championship alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
For the Bucks, Kuzma’s scoring, rebounding, and defensive versatility could make him a key piece in their 2025 playoff run. He’ll have the chance to prove he can be a consistent performer in high-pressure games.
Final Thoughts
Kyle Kuzma has had an interesting playoff career—from being a championship role player with the Lakers to facing challenges with the Wizards, and now getting a new opportunity with the Bucks.
His playoff experience, ability to score in different ways, and confidence on the big stage make him a great fit for a team with title ambitions. Now, the question is: Can he help Milwaukee make another deep playoff run?
Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—Kuzma is ready for the challenge.
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