Kyle Kuzma, Who Won an NBA Ring With LeBron James’ Lakers, Unravels Personal Story on Potential Drug Use and Bad Company: “Had That Fear of Not Wanting to Let Her Down”

The 2020 Los Angeles Lakers squad went on to win another NBA championship for the franchise. The team was led by none other than LeBron James and Anthony Davis but also had some big role players in the mix. One such player was none other than Kyle Kuzma who eventually was traded away to the Washington Wizards.

Kyle Kuzma was born in Flint, Michigan. And just like any other place, Kuzma too had bad company surrounding him. Here is how the future NBA player managed to avoid all that along with drug use.

Kyle Kuzma reveals his early childhood

Kyle Kuzma was the 27th pick by the Brooklyn Nets in the 2017 NBA draft. However, a draft night trade brought him to the Lakers squad where he eventually joined forces with LeBron James.

The 6’8 power forward went on to win his first NBA championship with LBJ and Anthony Davis. Recently, Kuzma sat down for an interview with Alix Sharkey of BusinessTravelerUSA.com. That is where Kuzma revealed how he stayed away from bad influences.

Growing up in Flint, Michigan, it was one of the most crime-infested cities in the country. And drugs played a big role in the downfall of the neighborhood. But Kuzma was never tempted to do any. 

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During the interview, he revealed, “I had all types of friends, some from bad neighborhoods. But for me, it was about not wanting to disappoint my mother. So I had that fear of not wanting to let her down. That kept me away from the negative stuff going on around me.”

Kuzma’s stint with LeBron James and more

Given how Kyle Kuzma avoided such people and influences, it is safe to say that he made the right choice. Kuzma went on to be drafted into the NBA and got a chance to play with one of the best generational talents in the league.

Not only that but he also won his first NBA championship with LeBron James and the Lakers. After his stint with the Lakers, Kuzma went on to sign a huge 4-year, $90 million deal with the Washington Wizards. 

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So, not only did he win an NBA championship but also went on to secure the bag with another team. So, all in all, Kuzma made the right move early in his life.