Kyle Kuzma became the face of Puma, a sneaker and sports clothing brand that has now resurfaced in the basketball world after nearly two decades out of the NBA realm. The Los Angeles Lakers forward signed a five-year deal worth approximately $3 million per year to become the face of the company.
The 6-foot-9 forward, who is entering his third year in the league, spoke to ESPN's Nick DePaula about his reasoning for joining the brand:
“The No. 1 thing I was trying to look for was a little bit more control, a little bit more freedom to do things. Not being restricted from an idea standpoint. Having a brand fully commit to me and seeing that I have my visions too.” said Kuzma. That was the main thing — the meeting was more about me. It was pretty much, ‘What do YOU want to do?
“I wanted to go to Puma, not only for everything that I've got going on, but to do some things within this community like Nip did.”
Caught up with @KyleKuzma to discuss the key factors of signing on with @PumaHoops and what the brand could do for him.
"That was the main thing — the meeting was more about me. It was pretty much, 'What do *you* want to do?'" — Kuz pic.twitter.com/7lKrsX97t6
— Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) October 3, 2019
Kuzma is now one of three Lakers to don Puma sneakers, including teammates Danny Green and DeMarcus Cousins, who will sit out the entire season with a torn ACL.
Puma has been aggressive in the pursuit of sneaker free agents during the last two summers, getting their claws on former No. 1 draft pick Deandre Ayton and former No. 2 pick Marvin Bagley III, as well as other notable names like Terry Rozier, Rudy Gay, Kevin Knox, and Michael Porter Jr., among others.
The 24-year-old can now have a similar impact as rapper Nipsey Hussle had with the brand, elevating it back into relevance, despite some stiff competition with Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, and other sneaker brands that populate the NBA hardwood.
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