Kyle Kuzma never played a single minute alongside Kobe Bryant on the Los Angeles Lakers. Kuzma never played against Bryant in the NBA. However, he had a close relationship with the future Hall of Famer as a pupil, and his passing took its toll on the 24-year-old forward.
Kuzma is one of a select few players around the NBA that reached out to Kobe in an effort to improve his game. The Detroit native was a sponge when it came to soaking up the knowledge from Bryant, much like other players in the league like Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving, and Jayson Tatum.
On Friday, the Lakers played their first game since the Bryant tragically died in a helicopter accident last Sunday. Kuzma was not immune to all the emotions swirling around the Staples Center as the team revealed a touching tribute for the five-time NBA champion.
“There were a lot of emotions out there tonight from everyone,” Kuzma said. “Obviously, the Laker fan base, Laker desk, there were a lot of front office desk members that have been here for all of his 20 years as a Laker. Some of the players have known him, played with him, played against him, some of the coaches have coached against him, so you know, there were a lot of emotions out there tonight.”
Despite dealing with the death of his mentor, Kuzma was able to have a solid effort against the visiting Portland Trail Blazers. The former first-round pick finished with a career-high 15 rebounds to go along with 17 points.
Kuzma, much like many in the city of Los Angeles, had a tough week comes to terms with the fact Bryant is no longer with us. Still, he was able to use what he learned from the iconic basketball legend and use it on the floor.
“This week, I cried a lot, laughed a lot; I probably cried so much that I don't have any more tears left in me,” Kuzma said of his Kobe's passing. “I was just thinking about what he stood for and what he meant to the game, and tonight, I just tried to be fearless. Plain and simple. I just tried to play my heart out. That's what he did every night and what he would have wanted all of us to do tonight.”
The Lakers may have fallen short despite Kuzma's valiant effort on Friday, but the show must go on for the team and the young forward as they will take on the division rival Sacramento Kings on Saturday. Kuzma has been linked to the Kings ahead of the NBA trade deadline and may be looking to channel his inner Kobe Bryant once again in Sacramento.
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