Kyle Alexander Kuzma, born and raised on July 24, 1995, is a prominent American professional basketball player associated with the Washington Wizards in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Remarkable achievements and a distinctive early life in the challenging environment of Flint, Michigan, mark his journey to NBA stardom.

>> Best betting sites (2024)

Quick Facts

Full Name	Kyle Alexander Kuzma
Known as	Kyle Kuzma
Birth Date	July 24, 1995
Birth Place	Flint Michigan
Father	Not Available
Mother	Karri Kuzma
Siblings	Andre Kuzma (half-brother), Briana Kuzma (half-sister)
High School	Bentley (Michigan) & Rise Academy (Pennsylvania)
College	Utah
Nationality	American
Zodiac Sign	Leo
Age	28 years old
Height	6’9″ (2.06 m)
Weight	221 lb (100 kg)
Body type	Athletic
Profession	Basketball Player
Position	Power Forward
Current Team	Washington Wizards
Draft	2017 NBA draft (27th pick)
Active years	2017-present
Marital Status	Unmarried
Spouse	N/A
Children	N/A
Net Worth	$3 million
Social Media	Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
Merch	Bobblehead, Basketball Card

Kyle Kuzma Early Life, Family, and Education

Hailing from the vibrant basketball community of Flint, Michigan, Kyle Alexander Kuzma embarked on a journey that would eventually lead him to the NBA spotlight. Born on July 24, 1995, Kuzma’s early exposure to the sport was shaped by his mother, Karri Kuzma shot put champion of her high school years, and his stepfather, Larry Smith, who played a pivotal role in his life.

Growing up with two step-siblings, Andre and Briana, Kuzma found solace and passion in basketball from a tender age. His stepfather and mother’s thoughtful gesture of placing a toy basketball rim in the living room when he was just two years old ignited his love for the game, setting the stage for his future success.

Despite the challenges of growing up in Flint, a city he described as “a violent place,” basketball became Kuzma’s sanctuary. Attending Swartz Creek Community Schools and later transferring to Bentley High School in Michigan, Kuzma’s high school basketball career showcased his undeniable talent, averaging an impressive 17.9 pts, 14.4 rebs, 3.8 assists, and 3.4 blocks per match as a junior.

His standout performances caught the attention of Rise Academy in Philadelphia, where he continued to refine his skills. High school culminated in Kuzma receiving offers from Division I schools, including notable institutions such as Connecticut, Iowa State, Tennessee, and Missouri. However, he ultimately chose to further his academic and basketball pursuits at the University of Utah.

College Career

Choosing the University of Utah, Kuzma’s college career began in 2013. After redshirting his first year, he became a starter in his sophomore year, showcasing his skills with a score of 10.8 points per game. His junior year was a standout season, averaging 16.4 pts, 9.3 rebs, and 2.4 assists per game, earning him first-team All-Pac-12 honors. Despite having another year of eligibility, Kuzma decided to enter the 2017 NBA draft, graduating from the University of Utah with a degree in sociology.

Professional Career 

Los Angeles Lakers (2017–2021)

 

Selected in the 2017 NBA draft by the Brooklyn Nets, Kuzma was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he made an immediate impact. His performances in the NBA Summer League and his rookie season earned him recognition, with notable achievements including being named the Western Conference Rookie of the Month and making the NBA All-Rookie First Team. Kuzma continued to shine, scoring a career-high 41 points in 2019 and signing a contract extension with the Lakers in December 2020.

His pivotal role in the Lakers’ 2020 NBA championship victory, including a game-winning three-pointer in the playoffs, solidified his status as a valuable asset.

Washington Wizards (2021–Present)

In August 2021, Kuzma was traded to the Washington Wizards. His Wizards debut showcased his versatility with 11 points, 15 rebounds, and three assists. Throughout the 2021–2022 season, Kuzma made significant contributions, including game-winning performances and a career-high 36 points in a win against the Charlotte Hornets.

Free Agency and Contract Extension

In June 2023, Kuzma entered free agency, declining his $13 million player option. However, on June 30, he signed a lucrative four-year, $102 million contract deal to remain with the Washington Wizards, emphasizing his commitment to the team.

Awards and Honors

Kuzma’s career has been adorned with accolades, including being named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2018, participating in the Rising Stars Challenge, and earning MVP honors in 2019. In college, he received first-team All-Pac-12 awards in 2017.

Physical Attributes

Kyle Kuzma’s physical attributes on the basketball court are impressive, contributing to his prowess as a power forward in the NBA. Standing at an imposing height of 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 meters) and weighing 221 pounds (100 kilograms), Kuzma is commanding on the court.

His athletic build showcases a body type that epitomizes the demands of his position, blending strength and agility. This combination allows Kuzma to maneuver through opponents with finesse while holding his ground in the paint when necessary. His physicality, coupled with an inherent athleticism, makes him a formidable force both in scoring and rebounding.

Car Enthusiast

Kyle Kuzma’s off-court persona extends beyond the basketball arena, offering a glimpse into his lavish lifestyle through his impressive collection of luxury cars. The NBA star, known for his dynamic presence on the court, showcases a similar flair regarding his choice of automobiles.

Among his notable possessions is a Lamborghini Huracán Performante, a true exemplar of automotive luxury. The Huracán Performante is renowned for its sleek design, cutting-edge technology, and high-performance capabilities, mirroring Kuzma’s precision and excellence in his basketball game.

The Lamborghini Huracán Performante, with its aerodynamic prowess and powerful V10 engine, aligns seamlessly with Kuzma’s penchant for excellence. Owning such a vehicle signifies a love for speed and luxury and underscores the success and accomplishment he has achieved in his NBA career.

Kuzma’s choice of cars shows his appreciation for craftsmanship, design, and the finer things in life. Beyond the crowd’s roar in the basketball arena, the purr of his high-end automobiles resonates with his affinity for a lifestyle that mirrors his achievements both on and off the court.

Relationship Status

The NBA star, known for charismatic personality and on-court finesse, was once romantically linked with Canadian supermodel Winnie Harlow.

Their relationship, which commenced in 2020, became a notable fixture in the intersection of sports and celebrity culture. Kuzma’s connection with Harlow was not only marked by public appearances but also by grand gestures, such as Harlow hiring a private plane to send a birthday message to Kuzma during the 2020 NBA Playoffs. This public display of affection added a layer of glamour to their union.

However, like many high-profile relationships, Kuzma and Harlow’s romance ended after a year and a half of dating. Despite the disappointment of fans who followed their journey, the couple managed to part ways amicably, maintaining a sense of mutual respect.

Social Media Presence

Kyle Kuzma’s social media presence is as dynamic as his performance on the basketball court, offering fans an engaging and authentic glimpse into the life of the NBA star. Across various platforms, Kuzma leverages his social media channels to connect with fans, share moments from his personal and professional life, and showcase his charismatic personality.

With a Twitter following of over 1.1 million, Kuzma keeps the online conversation alive with witty commentary, updates on his activities, and occasional insights into his thoughts on trending topics. 

On Facebook, where he boasts a substantial following of 2.1 million, Kuzma shares a curated mix of highlights from his basketball journey, glimpses into his personal life, and endorsements. 

However, it’s on Instagram where Kuzma truly shines, amassing a sizable following of 4.8 million. Through carefully curated posts and stories, he provides a visually compelling narrative of his lifestyle, travels, fashion choices, and behind-the-scenes moments.

His social media presence goes beyond the conventional, often showcasing his engagement with fans through Q&A sessions, interactive challenges, and live updates. Kuzma’s willingness to share the highs and lows of his journey fosters a sense of authenticity that resonates with followers who appreciate the genuine connection he establishes through the digital realm.

Net Worth and Contracts

With a net worth estimated at $3 million, Kyle Kuzma’s financial profile is a testament to his successful NBA career and lucrative endorsements. His lavish lifestyle is evident in his ownership of luxury cars, including a Lamborghini Huracán Performante, and his investment in tattoos. Kuzma’s financial success extends beyond his salary, highlighting his adeptness at leveraging his brand both within and outside basketball.

In 2020, Kuzma signed a three-year extension contract worth $39,000,000 with the Lakers, guaranteeing him an annual average salary of $13,000,000. As of the 2021-2022 season, Kuzma’s base salary with the Wizards is $13,000,000. These contract details underscore the financial aspects of Kuzma’s professional basketball career and his value in the league.

 

Washington Wizards News