Kyle Kuzma’s four year stint with the Los Angeles Lakers has come to an end. The forward has been traded to Washington Wizards in a deal that saw Russell Westbrook going the other way.
While it is a pretty sad moment for Kuzma, he does not hold anything against the franchise. Instead, during an interview, he shared how the Lakers legends helped him settle down in a new city. Kuzma was picked by the Brooklyn Nets in the 2017 draft and he was later traded to the Lakers on a draft day trade.
He was the 27th overall pick and the Purple and gold army had some news that he has high potential. Hence they went ahead for him and he did not disappoint. He showed glimpses of his talent in the 2017 Summer League winning the league championship game MVP that year. He was so impressive that coach Luke Walton had zero second thoughts about him. Hence he went straight into the Lakers roster. He continued his exceptional form for the Lakers during his rookie season in the NBA.
Currently a Wizards now, Kuzma recently appeared for an interview on Fubo TV’s “No Chill with Gilbert Arenas” show. There he mostly spoke about his time with the Lakers, his trade to the Wizards, NBA bubble among other stuff. However, the most intriguing part of the conversation was when the forward revealed how Lakers legends helped him settle in a new environment.
“It’s crazy,” Kyle Kuzma said. “Jeanie does a great job of making everything family over there. It’s really a family. I’ve talked to everyone and part of that’s because of who I am. I’m inquisitive, I want to ask questions, I want to see what you saw back in your day because that’s where I’m trying to get to.
“So, having cold talking to Shaq, James, Horry’s there. You see so many different eras of Laker greats and they all want to see you do successfully because of the brand and it’s with is really within you.”
Kyle Kuzma was an instant fan favourite at the Staples Center right from his rookie season. His performances were so good that he made it to the NBA All-Rookie First team. Gradually he started becoming a key member of the Lakers side.
While Kuzma failed to achieve the heights that the Lakers thought he was destined for, the fellow forward still has age on his side to turn things around in his career.
