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Like most NBA players this generation, Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma is pretty active on social media. Given his large following across most online platforms, it came as a huge surprise when he suddenly deactivated his Twitter account last month.
Now back from his self-imposed hiatus, the 25-year-old Kuzma detailed what led to his decision. Speaking with Jorge Sedano and LZ Granderson on ESPN Radio Los Angeles on Friday (via Larry Brown Sports), the one-time NBA champion admitted that the constant negativity and criticism from strangers towards his poor play got to his head.
“You fall into a different type of reality, which is social media. I just try to stay off of it as much as possible. That’s our way to find news, know about what’s going on in the world. When you constantly have to see people say you’re a failure in life. I kind of just live my life and go about it.”
Kuzma began his career as a consummate fan favorite with the Purple and Gold. A second round pick in 2017, the once unheralded Flint, Michigan native gave the rebuilding Lakers a huge boost in his rookie year. His splendid play continued in his sophomore season, leading fans to expect a lot from him in his third year alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
He, however, started last season off rhythm as he had to recover from an ankle injury he sustained with Team USA over the summer. Now relegated as the third option the Lakers' two superstars, Kuzma struggled to find his role on offense, while his defensive limitations unraveled more as the season progressed. The 6-foot-8 forward was widely inconsistent in the 2020 Playoffs, earning him the ire of fans on social media.
Kyle Kuzma's future in Hollywood remains bleak at the moment, but he did get a vote of confidence from LeBron recently. His play will once again be under a microscope in the upcoming season, but Kuzma knows to handle the hate this time around.
