On Kobe Day, Kyle Kuzma reflects on the legacy of the 'Black Mamba'
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On Kobe Day, Kyle Kuzma reflects on the legacy of the 'Black Mamba'
MANILA -- Former Los Angeles Lakers star and now Washington Wizards forward, Kyle Kuzma, is in the country for a three-day visit.
MANILA -- Former Los Angeles Lakers star and now Washington Wizards forward, Kyle Kuzma, is in the country for a three-day visit.
The one-time NBA champion's arrival coincided with Kobe Bryant Day (8-24-24). Kuzma, popularly known as "Kuz," was selected 27th overall in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Brooklyn Nets. However, he was traded on draft day to the Los Angeles Lakers, along with Brook Lopez, in exchange for D'Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov.
The one-time NBA champion's arrival coincided with Kobe Bryant Day (8-24-24). Kuzma, popularly known as "Kuz," was selected 27th overall in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Brooklyn Nets. However, he was traded on draft day to the Los Angeles Lakers, along with Brook Lopez, in exchange for D'Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov.
Though Kuzma never had the opportunity to play alongside the legendary Kobe Bryant, he viewed the Lakers icon as a mentor.
Though Kuzma never had the opportunity to play alongside the legendary Kobe Bryant, he viewed the Lakers icon as a mentor.
"Kobe is like a big brother to me, someone I looked up to. When I got drafted, I had the opportunity to become friends with him. It was amazing—just had a lot of great times, not a lot of times, but the times that we did have together were unforgettable. He’s a busy man, and I’m a busy man too, but they were never forgettable," Kuzma shared.
"Kobe is like a big brother to me, someone I looked up to. When I got drafted, I had the opportunity to become friends with him. It was amazing—just had a lot of great times, not a lot of times, but the times that we did have together were unforgettable. He’s a busy man, and I’m a busy man too, but they were never forgettable," Kuzma shared.
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In a recent interview, Kuzma recounted a humorous story from his first meeting with Kobe.
In a recent interview, Kuzma recounted a humorous story from his first meeting with Kobe.
He recalled: "We went to a dinner in West Hollywood, California. He was a little late, and I was a lot early. His security was sitting right next to me, and I just started sweating—super sweat. When he finally came in, I stood up to greet him, and he goes, 'What's up, Kuz?' I was shook. I thought, 'Man, he knows who I am.' I had to remind myself, 'Obviously, he knows who I am because we're having dinner.' That was an unbelievable dinner, talking about life, basketball, business... everything."
He recalled: "We went to a dinner in West Hollywood, California. He was a little late, and I was a lot early. His security was sitting right next to me, and I just started sweating—super sweat. When he finally came in, I stood up to greet him, and he goes, 'What's up, Kuz?' I was shook. I thought, 'Man, he knows who I am.' I had to remind myself, 'Obviously, he knows who I am because we're having dinner.' That was an unbelievable dinner, talking about life, basketball, business... everything."
Kuzma, known for his bold fashion choices, once made headlines by arriving at a post-game press conference wearing an oversized pink sweater with sleeves so long they nearly touched the floor. The outfit quickly went viral, sparking endless memes and online commentary. His willingness to embrace his unique style has made him a fan favorite, not just for his basketball skills but for his fearless individuality.
Kuzma, known for his bold fashion choices, once made headlines by arriving at a post-game press conference wearing an oversized pink sweater with sleeves so long they nearly touched the floor. The outfit quickly went viral, sparking endless memes and online commentary. His willingness to embrace his unique style has made him a fan favorite, not just for his basketball skills but for his fearless individuality.
Now playing for the Washington Wizards, a team that has struggled in recent years, Kuzma reflected on the transition from being on a championship team to a rebuilding one.
Now playing for the Washington Wizards, a team that has struggled in recent years, Kuzma reflected on the transition from being on a championship team to a rebuilding one.
"I was young, I was 25 when I got traded, and Washington was a whole different world that I didn’t know anything about. Especially coming into the NBA as a Laker, living in Los Angeles, you think the world is Los Angeles. Naturally, it was tough at first, but I got over that. I really enjoyed Washington a lot," Kuzma said.
"I was young, I was 25 when I got traded, and Washington was a whole different world that I didn’t know anything about. Especially coming into the NBA as a Laker, living in Los Angeles, you think the world is Los Angeles. Naturally, it was tough at first, but I got over that. I really enjoyed Washington a lot," Kuzma said.
There is hope for the Wizards, as they selected French big man Alex Sarr with the number two overall pick in the recent draft. Kuzma believes the rookie has the potential to make an impact.
There is hope for the Wizards, as they selected French big man Alex Sarr with the number two overall pick in the recent draft. Kuzma believes the rookie has the potential to make an impact.
"We'll see. I think he has a good chance—he’s super tall, super athletic, and he can pass," Kuzma said.
"We'll see. I think he has a good chance—he’s super tall, super athletic, and he can pass," Kuzma said.
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