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Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma had the luxury of being part of a title-winning squad early in his NBA career. During his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, Kuzma played a vital role in the rotation and helped the Purple and Gold lift the trophy in the 2019-20 season.
Although the first year of Kuzma’s career saw him as part of a very young and promising Lakers team, it wasn’t long before some key veterans joined the roster. On that note, when speaking about the players who had a massive influence on his career on “The White Noise Pod,” Kuzma named two former teammates.
“I’d say probably Bron [LeBron James] or Rondo [Rajon Rondo],” Kuzma responded. “Like, you’ll see Bron. He’s pulling up in Wraiths. He’s got so much money that it’s just like, you know, you see a certain type of life that may not be attainable, because not everyone is going to be a billionaire. But it’s just like a North Star. Like, this guy’s got a lot of motion. There’s other things off the court where it’s just like, I actually can do more, but you’ve got to put your mind to it.”
From Kyle Kuzma’s response, it seems like LeBron James served as a financial inspiration for the young forward. As one of the highest-paid players in NBA history, it is easy to see why James would be an inspiration for a young player. However, it is what James has done with that money that may be more influential.
Outside of basketball, James has built a noteworthy portfolio featuring several business ventures in different industries. Having expanded his reach across different verticals, James’ business and wealth management are certainly awe-inspiring.
Aside from James, Kyle Kuzma was also influenced by Rajon Rondo, as he continued:
“Because he’s just so sophisticated and smart, basketball-wise, he’s like a savant. It’s like, he made you want to pick up your acumen. He would call sometimes, after a game, at 3 AM like, ‘Yo, what you doing?… Turn the game on. Go to 18 in the third quarter.’ That’s like motivation, you know?”
Rajon Rondo is widely regarded as one of the smartest players in NBA history. With some sources rating Rondo’s basketball IQ above players like LeBron James, it speaks volumes about his intelligence.
From a basketball perspective, it is understandable Rondo would influence Kyle Kuzma. Although the two-time champion is known primarily for his passing and playmaking ability, Rondo’s innate knowledge of the game allows him to serve as another coach on the floor. Given that Kyle Kuzma was only in his sophomore season when Rondo joined the team, the veteran guard’s impact on his development would have been significant.
When playing with the likes of LeBron James and Rajon Rondo, it is difficult not to be influenced by their mindset and lifestyle. Although Kuzma’s comments on Rondo’s influence hold, his statement about drawing inspiration from James seems dated.
Early in his career, Kyle Kuzma was known for his eccentric fashion choices and larger-than-life appeal, something that has changed in recent days. Needless to say, the forward seems somewhat embarrassed by his past choices. When also noting his incandescent remark about money in the NBA, it can be argued that the forward has pivoted on how he views money and the demonstration of wealth.
