Kyle Kuzma is a well-known American professional basketball player who gained recognition for his position as a power forward on the Los Angeles Lakers team in the NBA. He currently serves as a small forward or power forward for the Washington Wizards in the same league.
Early Life & Education
Kyle Alexander Kuzma was born in Flint, Michigan on July 24, 1995. His mother, Karri Kuzma, has a diverse background of German, English, and Ukrainian heritage, while his father is African-American.
Kyle Kuzma’s childhood was shaped by his mother, a former high school shot put champion, and his step-father Larry Smith, along with step-siblings Andre and Briana. His love for basketball began at the young age of two when his parents gifted him with a toy basketball rim.
During his time at Bentley High School, he demonstrated his skill in basketball by consistently achieving impressive numbers, including 17.9 points, 14.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 3.4 blocks per game in his junior year.
Kyle transferred to Rise Academy in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania during his third year of high school and continued playing basketball. During his final year at Rise Academy, he had an average of 22 points per game. Despite receiving numerous offers from various agencies, Kyle ultimately chose to play college basketball for the University of Utah.
In 2013, Kyle Kuzma became a member of the University of Utah. However, due to a late signing, he was unable to play in his first year. As a second-year student, he had an average of 10.8 points per game. In the 2016-17 season, he had impressive stats of 16.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. After completing his degree in sociology, he departed from college and entered the 2017 NBA draft.
Kyle Kuzma’s NBA Career
In 2017, Kyle Kuzma was chosen by the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA draft and subsequently inked a rookie deal with the team on July 3rd. After the 2017-18 season, he was recognized as a member of the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
In his first year playing professionally, he had a remarkable season, accomplishing many noteworthy feats such as being selected for the NBA All-Rookie First Team and receiving the title of ‘Rookie of the Month’. He also became the first-ever NBA rookie to score a minimum of 330 points, grab 120 rebounds, and make 30 three-pointers in his first 20 games.
The year 2021 saw him being transferred to the Washington Wizards. Under Kyle’s leadership, the team achieved multiple victories over opponents such as the Toronto Raptors, Detroit Pistons, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Charlotte Hornets.
Kyle turned down a $13 million player option from the Washington Wizards in June 2023 and decided to become a free agent.
Personal Life
Kyle Kuzma has been dating Winnie Harlow, also known as Chantelle Whitney Brown-Young, since 2020. Winnie Harlow is a Canadian fashion model and advocate for those with vitiligo.
Winnie, who was born in Mississauga, Canada on July 27, 1994, rose to fame after participating in the 21st season of the American TV show America’s Next Top Model. Despite speculation, the couple has chosen to maintain a level of privacy regarding their romantic involvement.
Net Worth
According to recent updates, Kyle Kuzma’s fortune is estimated to be approximately $5 million. The majority of his wealth can be attributed to his successful basketball career. Furthermore, he has secured lucrative partnerships with companies such as Puma and GOAT, which also contribute to his earnings.
Kyle became the first player to serve as a Brand Ambassador for GOAT. He extended his contract with the organization in 2020 for multiple years. This agreement granted him the ability to obtain numerous high-end shoe designs from top brands featured on the GOAT app.
