Kyle Alexander Kuzma, born on July 24, 1995, in Flint, Michigan, is an American professional basketball player known for his versatility and scoring ability. He has played for the Los Angeles Lakers and the Washington Wizards in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Kuzma’s journey from a challenging upbringing in Flint to NBA stardom is a testament to his dedication and talent.
Early Life and Education
Raised in the Flint area, Kuzma is the son of Karri Kuzma, a former high school shot put champion who attended college on a track scholarship. He has a younger half-brother named Andre and a younger half-sister named Briana. Kuzma is biracial and met his biological father only once as an infant. He viewed the father of his half-siblings, Larry Smith, as a father figure. At the age of two, his parents installed a toy basketball hoop in their living room, igniting his passion for the sport.
Flint, known for its economic challenges and high crime rates, presented numerous temptations. However, Kuzma described basketball as his “safe haven.” He initially attended Swartz Creek Community Schools before transferring to Bentley High School in Burton, Michigan. As a junior at Bentley, he averaged 17.9 points, 14.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 3.4 blocks per game. Seeking greater competition and exposure, Kuzma sent tapes of his basketball performances to various preparatory schools. Vin Sparacio, head coach at Rise Academy in Philadelphia, recognized his potential and offered him a spot. During his senior year at Rise Academy, Kuzma averaged 22 points and seven rebounds per game, attracting offers from Division I programs such as Connecticut, Iowa State, Tennessee, and Missouri. He ultimately committed to the University of Utah.
Personal Life
Off the court, Kuzma is known for his distinctive fashion sense and has been involved in various business ventures. In 2020, he began a relationship with Canadian model Winnie Harlow. The couple has been seen together at numerous events, including fashion shows and art exhibitions.
Detailed Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kyle Alexander Kuzma |
| Date of Birth | July 24, 1995 |
| Place of Birth | Flint, Michigan, USA |
| Height | 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 meters) |
| Weight | 221 pounds (100 kg) |
| Parents | Karri Kuzma (mother) |
| College | University of Utah |
| NBA Draft | 2017, 27th overall pick |
| Position | Power Forward / Small Forward |
| Current Team | Washington Wizards |
| Jersey Number | 33 |
| Net Worth | Approximately $13 million |
College Career
Kuzma enrolled at the University of Utah in 2013. Due to a late signing, he redshirted his freshman year. In his sophomore season, he became a starter, averaging 10.8 points per game. His junior year was particularly noteworthy, as he averaged 16.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, earning him first-team All-Pac-12 honors. Following this standout season, Kuzma declared for the 2017 NBA Draft, foregoing his final year of college eligibility. He graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in sociology.
Professional Career
Los Angeles Lakers (2017–2021)
In the 2017 NBA Draft, Kuzma was selected 27th overall by the Brooklyn Nets but was immediately traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. He signed his rookie contract with the Lakers on July 3, 2017. During the NBA Summer League, Kuzma showcased his talent by averaging 21.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game. He was named the Summer League Championship Game MVP after recording 30 points and 10 rebounds in the final.
Kuzma’s rookie season was impressive. On November 3, 2017, in his first game as a starter, he notched his first double-double with 21 points and 13 rebounds in a win over the Brooklyn Nets. Later that month, he scored a career-high 30 points against the Phoenix Suns. His consistent performance earned him the Western Conference Rookie of the Month award for October/November. He concluded the season with averages of 16.1 points and 6.3 rebounds per game and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
Over the next few seasons, Kuzma continued to develop his game. In the 2018-2019 season, he recorded a career-high 41 points in a game against the Detroit Pistons. He was also named the MVP of the Rising Stars Challenge during the 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend after scoring a game-high 35 points. In the 2019-2020 season, Kuzma played a pivotal role in the Lakers’ championship run, contributing significantly off the bench and helping the team secure the NBA title.
Washington Wizards (2021–Present)
On August 6, 2021, Kuzma was traded to the Washington Wizards as part of a package for Russell Westbrook. He made an immediate impact, recording a double-double with 11 points and 15 rebounds in his debut game. Throughout the season, Kuzma demonstrated his versatility, achieving multiple double-doubles and even recording his first career triple-double on February 10, 2022, with 15 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists in a win over the Brooklyn Nets.
In the 2022-2023 season, Kuzma continued to be a key contributor for the Wizards. On January 11, 2023, he scored a game-winning three-pointer in a victory over the Chicago Bulls. Shortly after, he achieved a season-high 40 points against the New York Knicks. In June 2023, Kuzma declined his $13 million player option, entering free agency. However, he chose to remain with the Wizards, signing a four-year, $102 million deal on June 30, 2023.
Social Media Accounts
| Platform | Username | Official Link |
|---|---|---|
| @kuz | Instagram Profile | |
| @kylekuzma | Twitter Profile |
Latest News
As of February 2025, Kyle Kuzma has been involved in trade discussions between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Washington Wizards. Reports suggest a potential trade that would send Kuzma to the Bucks in exchange for Khris Middleton. This move aims to bolster the Bucks’ roster as they prepare for a playoff push.
Physical Appearance
Standing at 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 meters) and weighing 221 pounds (100 kg), Kuzma possesses the prototypical build for an NBA forward. His athletic frame and agility allow him to excel in multiple positions on the court. Kuzma is also known for his distinctive tattoos and fashion-forward style, often making headlines for his bold wardrobe choices.
Net Worth as of 2025
As of 2025, Kyle Kuzma’s net worth is estimated to be around $13 million. This wealth primarily stems from his NBA contracts, endorsements, and various business ventures. His significant earnings reflect his success and marketability both on and off the basketball court.
Kyle Kuzma’s journey from Flint, Michigan, to the NBA highlights his dedication, talent, and adaptability. As he continues his professional career, fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate his future contributions to the sport.
FAQs
- Does Kyle Kuzma have a ring?
Yes, Kyle Kuzma won an NBA Championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. - Who is Kyle Kuzma’s wife?
Kyle Kuzma is not officially married, but he has been in a relationship with Winnie Harlow, a Canadian fashion model, since 2020. - Who did Kyle Kuzma date?
Before Winnie Harlow, Kuzma was rumored to have dated Vanessa Hudgens, Katya Elise Henry, and Nicole Shiraz. - Why does Kyle Kuzma wear 0?
Kyle Kuzma wore the number 0 to represent Flint, Michigan, his hometown, symbolizing “zero tolerance for doubt and negativity.”
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