Kyle Kuzma is bound to soon have a few sneaker companies flocking to him after being the lone survivor of a blockbuster trade that sent most of his friends to the New Orleans Pelicans for Anthony Davis. The Los Angeles Lakers forward is being paid less than six figures per year by Nike, but that is bound to change soon enough.
Nike quickly realized Kuzma's potential, using him in the Adapt BB launch and featuring him in many of Kobe Bryant's signature pairs as the ongoing torchbearer of the series:
“It's been great,” Kuzma told Nick DePaula of ESPN. “I've always been a Nike guy growing up. As a sneakerhead, you always have a special place in your heart for the brand with all of the different kinds of shoes they've done. To build that brand together was a no-brainer.”
Kuzma also signed an ambassador deal with the GOAT app, an online resale marketplace that features several thousands of rare and limited-edition sneakers. Not only did Kuzma get noticed for this partnership, but was also featured in Kevin Durant-led series “The Boardroom” to discuss it.
Kuzma is looking forward to being courted by sneaker companies as he looks to sign a new deal:
“It's definitely exciting,” said Kuzma. “Going from where I came as an unheralded prospect out of high school and college, going into the NBA, it's going to be pretty cool to see sneaker companies take a big interest in me. It's a credit to my hard work.”
Kyle Kuzma could get an experience similar to Giannis Antetokounmpo, who sat down with Nike years after his original deal, reaping a lot more reward and a wave of recognition as he progressed in the league.
The Athletic's Shams Charania reports Nike, Puma and Jordan Brand as companies with interest.
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