Kyle
"The Lion"
Kuzma
Jersey number: 33
Dob: July 24, 1995
Age: 28 years
Draft: 2017 R1 Pick 27
Attended: Utah
Country: USA
Position: PF
Height: 6'9" (2.06m)
Weight: 221lb (100kg)
Experience: 6 Years
College: Utah
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Kyle Kuzma's Biography
Kyle Alexander Kuzma was born on July 24, 1995, and by now, he has successfully carved out an illustrious career as a professional basketball player who competes for the Washington Wizards in the National Basketball Association (NBA). His journey from collegiate basketball to professional stardom started when he registered to represent the Utah Utes during his college years. As a junior in 2016–17, he earned immense recognition by being named first-team all-conference in the Pac-12. The 2017 NBA draft boosted his career significantly as he was picked in the first round with the 27th overall choice.
His debut season with the Los Angeles Lakers was nothing short of impressive, leading to his recognition on the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2018. Before heading to the Wizards in 2021, Kuzma relished an NBA championship victory with the Lakers in 2020.
Hailing from the Flint, Michigan area, Kuzma is the offspring of Karri Kuzma, who earned her name as a high school shot put champion and later earned a college scholarship for track and field. He shares his family roots with a younger half-brother named Andre and a younger half-sister, Briana. Despite being biracial, Kuzma only had a single encounter with his biological father during his infancy. Larry Smith, the father of his half-siblings, was someone he revered as a father figure. Under the doting guidance of Karri and Smith, his passion for basketball found its initial spark when he was just two years old as they gifted him a toy basketball rim.
Growing up in Flint, a place infamous for violent activities, Kuzma found an escape in basketball, referring to it as his “safe haven”. Showing promise early on, Kuzma attended Swartz Creek Community Schools before then transferring to Bentley High School in Michigan. Here he showed immense prowess by averaging 17.9 points, 14.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 3.4 blocks per game as a junior. His talent caught the eyes of Vin Sparacio, head coach at Rise Academy in Philadelphia, when Kuzma sent tapes of his shooting at the YMCA to prep schools.
Kuzma’s journey to professional basketball saw a pivotal turn when he entered the University of Utah in 2013, redshirting his freshman year. His talent shone when he was named a team starter in his sophomore year, averaging 10.8 points per game. The 2016–17 season ensured his entitlement to the first-team All-Pac-12 honors, where he scored an average of 16.4 points per game, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. His decision to participate in the 2017 NBA draft, thereby giving up his final year of college basketball eligibility, led him to rustle up a storm in the NBA.
Though initially projected to be picked up in the second round of the NBA draft, Kuzma was selected with the 27th overall pick by the Brooklyn Nets. A draft-day trade deal led to Kuzma starting his NBA journey with the Los Angeles Lakers. He proved to be a vital asset to the team, leading in points scored in the Summer League and racking up an average of 21.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game. His awe-inspiring performances continued, leading to him earning the Summer League Championship Game MVP.
The 2017 season saw Kuzma recording his first double-double, netting 21 points and 13 rebounds in a win against the Brooklyn Nets. His incredible form was maintained, which led to his recognition as the Western Conference Rookie of the Month in October/November. His performance was noteworthy, with him scoring a career-high 38 points in a match against the Houston Rockets, leading to a halt in their 14-game winning streak. His consistent performance saw him named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team at the end of the season.
Undergoing a rollercoaster of highs and lows, Kuzma continued his impressive run by scoring a career-high 41 points against the Detroit Pistons in a 113–100 win during 2019. His performance also led to him bagging the MVP honors in the Rising Stars Game that same year, where he scored a game-high 35 points.
In August 2020, Kuzma scored a game-winning three-pointer, leading the Lakers to a 124–121 win against the Denver Nuggets. During the postseason, he scored a career playoff high of 19 points in Game 3 of the NBA finals in a loss against the Miami Heat. Nonetheless, Kuzma celebrated an NBA championship victory with the Lakers who defeated their rivals 4-2.
Kuzma marked an end to his journey with the Lakers after signing a three-year, $40 million contract extension in December 2020, before being traded to the Washington Wizards in August 2021. His performances continued to draw attention, where he tied his season high of 36 points and grabbed eight rebounds, seven assists, and two steals in a nail-biting 157–153 double overtime loss to the San Antonio Spurs. In 2023, he declined his $13 million player option and elected free agency; however, he penned a four-year, $102 million contract with the Wizards shortly after.
Away from the court, Kuzma has been indulging in a romantic relationship with Canadian model Winnie Harlow since 2020. His entrepreneurial journey also took stride in 2020 when he co-founded Drink Barcode, a fitness water beverage company, after meeting Bar Malik, former Knicks director of performance. Kuzma’s journey through basketball serves as testimony to his dedication and skill in the sport, ensuring his place as one of the talented professionals in the NBA.
Kyle Kuzma's Questions & Answers
What Is The Latest News About Kyle Kuzma?
Kyle Kuzma has been traded to the Washington Wizards in a blockbuster deal.
What Is The Contract Details Of Kyle Kuzma?
Kyle Kuzma has agreed to a four-year, $90 million contract with the Washington Wizards, which includes descending annual salaries and keeps him with the team until at least 2027.
How Did Kyle Kuzma Perform Against The Warriors?
Kyle Kuzma has consistently performed well against the Warriors, averaging 16.4 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists over 14 career games.
Who Is Kyle Kuzma's Girlfriend?
Kyle Kuzma's girlfriend is supermodel Winnie Harlow, whom he has been dating since 2020.
"How Did Kyle Kuzma Perform Against GSW?"
Kyle Kuzma has delivered a solid performance against GSW, averaging 16.4 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists over 14 games in his career.
What Is Kyle Kuzma's Height?
Kyle Kuzma is 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 meters) tall.
Who Are Kyle Kuzma And Jordan Poole?
Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole are professional basketball players in the NBA, with Kuzma currently playing for the Washington Wizards and Poole for the Golden State Warriors.
Gamelog
Date | Opponent | PTS | REB | FIELD_GOALS_MADE | 3PM | STL | FTM | AST | BLOCKED_SHOTS | TO | FIELD_GOALS_ATTEMPTED | DEFENSIVE_REBOUNDS | OFFENSIVE_REBOUNDS | PTS+REBS+ASTS | PTS+REBS | PTS+ASTS | REBS+ASTS | BLKS+ASTS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
02/12 | MIN | 19 | 13 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 17 | 13 | 0 | 36 | 32 | 23 | 17 | 4 |
02/10 | GS | 21 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 4 | 2 | 27 | 27 | 21 | 6 | 0 |
02/09 | PHI | 13 | 8 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 13 | 7 | 1 | 26 | 21 | 18 | 13 | 6 |
02/07 | ATL | 12 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 13 | 7 | 0 | 20 | 19 | 13 | 8 | 1 |
02/03 | CHA | 22 | 4 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 21 | 3 | 1 | 28 | 26 | 24 | 6 | 2 |