Kyle Kuzma’s Basketball Career: From Lakers to Wizards, A Journey of Growth

Kyle Kuzma has established himself as a prominent figure in professional basketball since being drafted in 2017.

The American forward currently plays for the Washington Wizards in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Kuzma’s career has been marked by his versatile skillset, consistently improving statistics, and ability to contribute significantly to his team’s performance.

Kuzma’s journey to the NBA began at the University of Utah, where he earned first-team all-conference honors in the Pac-12 during his junior year.

His college success caught the attention of NBA scouts, leading to his selection as the 27th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft.

Initially drafted by the Brooklyn Nets, Kuzma was quickly traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he spent the first four years of his professional career.

Throughout his time in the NBA, Kuzma has demonstrated his value as a scorer, rebounder, and playmaker.

His career has seen steady growth, with his scoring and rebounding averages improving over the years.

Now with the Washington Wizards, Kuzma continues to be a key player, earning a substantial salary, and garnering attention for his on-court performances.

Basketball Journey

Kyle Kuzma’s path to NBA stardom began in his hometown of Flint, Michigan and took him through prep school, college, and the NBA draft before landing with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Early Life and High School

Kyle Kuzma was born and raised in Flint, Michigan.

He attended Bentley High School, where he quickly stood out on the basketball court.

Kuzma’s skills continued to develop, and he transferred to Rise Academy in Philadelphia for his senior year.

This move allowed him to face tougher competition and gain more exposure to college recruiters.

At Rise Academy, Kuzma’s game flourished. He averaged 22 points and 7 rebounds per game, catching the attention of several Division I programs.

His performances earned him a three-star recruit rating from major scouting services.

Collegiate Career

Kuzma committed to the University of Utah, where he redshirted his first year. This extra year of practice and development proved beneficial.

In his redshirt freshman season, Kuzma played a reserve role, averaging 3.3 points per game.

His sophomore year saw significant improvement, with averages of 10.8 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.

Kuzma’s breakout came in his junior year. He led the Utah Utes in scoring and rebounding, averaging 16.4 points and 9.3 rebounds per game.

Kuzma’s outstanding junior season earned him First-Team All-Pac-12 honors. His versatile play and improved three-point shooting made him an intriguing NBA prospect.

NBA Draft and Rookie Season

Kuzma declared for the 2017 NBA Draft after his junior year.

The Brooklyn Nets selected him with the 27th overall pick, then immediately traded his rights to the Los Angeles Lakers.

In his rookie season with the Lakers, Kuzma exceeded expectations. He averaged 16.1 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, showcasing his scoring ability and versatility.

His performances earned him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team.

Kuzma quickly became a fan favorite in Los Angeles.

His confident play and ability to contribute immediately made him a key piece of the Lakers’ young core.

Professional Achievements and Stats

Kyle Kuzma has made significant strides in his NBA career, showcasing versatility and growth as a player. His journey includes a championship with the Lakers and continued development with the Wizards.

Performance with the Lakers

Kuzma’s NBA career began with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017. He quickly made an impact, averaging 16.1 points and 6.3 rebounds per game in his rookie season.

His sophomore year saw improvements, with 18.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.

In the 2019-20 season, Kuzma played a crucial role in the Lakers’ championship run.

Although his scoring average decreased to 12.8 points per game, he contributed valuable minutes off the bench.

His ability to space the floor and provide timely scoring helped the Lakers secure their 17th NBA title.

Continued Career

After being traded to the Washington Wizards in 2021, Kuzma’s role expanded.

He averaged 17.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game in his first season with the team. This marked a career-high in rebounds and assists.

The 2022-23 season saw Kuzma further elevate his game. He posted career-best numbers with 21.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.

His improved scoring output and consistent rebounding solidified his position as a key player for the Wizards.

Player Profile and Statistics

Kuzma stands at 6’9″ and plays both forward positions. His versatility allows him to contribute in various ways on the court.

As of December 2024, Kuzma has career averages of 17.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game.

Kuzma’s shooting percentages have shown improvement over time. His career field goal percentage stands at 44.8%, with a three-point percentage of 33.9%.

He has played in over 480 NBA games, demonstrating durability and consistency throughout his career.