Kyle Kuzma is a no-frills type of dude. The Lakers rookie didn’t come into the league with too much hype, but early on this season, he’s been one of the best players in the City of Angels. Through 15 games, Kuzma is averaging 15.5 points and 6.8 rebounds a night.
Uproxx Sports got to sit down with Kuzma to talk Call of Duty, what his definition of a “Flint basketball player” is, and more.
What first got you interested in Call of Duty?
I’ve always been interested in video games from a young age, I used to play SOCOM for the PS2. They stopped making the series so I was trying to find another shooting game, and there came Call of Duty. Ever since then I’ve been kinda hooked on it.
What’s your best Call of Duty dorm story?
There was one time my entire room was playing, we had like four tv’s and I was very close to getting a nuke because I was on a killstreak, I had 23 kills to zero deaths. My roommate, he accidentally turned off the power switch in the entire room. He kinda shut my dreams down with that.
Did you ever let this roommate play again?
He played again, we didn’t talk to him that night, he didn’t eat with us that night either.
Are you still friends with this guy?
I’m still friends with him, we talk all of the time, we just always bring up that story any time we’re playing video games.
What’s your favorite part of Call of Duty: WWII?
I’d just gotten the game, but I like the new War mode.
What was the transition like from Flint to Utah?
It was a big difference, coming from Flint. If you know anything about it, it’s a violent place and the environment is very different from any other place in the country. Going out to Salt Lake was definitely a challenge, but it kinda matured me and made me who I am today.
We always hear about the Flint basketball player. Tell me what you believe are the qualities of being a basketball player from Flint?
Toughness, that’s one thing for sure. Mentally and physically a tough player. That’s the one characteristic that most of us have, very confident in their abilities. You may be playing at a YMCA, and the worst player there is gonna think he’s better than any NBA superstar. Definitely those two qualities I would describe as a Flint basketball player.
What’s the one thing that would surprise people about you?
One of my biggest hobbies is photography. I have a camera, I take pictures on the road. Not too many people are into photography at a young age.
When did you get into photography?
It was 7-8 months ago, right after getting out of college. I was trying to figure out what to do besides playing basketball cause my mind is always on basketball. Trying to pick something else up and I fell in love with it.
What was the initial feeling you had after being drafted?
It was pretty cool, pretty surreal. Not many people can say they were first round picks in any professional draft. For me it was a dream come true and pretty special.
What was it like meeting Michigan State legend Magic Johnson for the first time?
It was surreal, especially from me being born in Michigan. He’s one of the first people you hear about if you’re a Michigan basketball fan. He lead those Michigan State teams to greatness and put the state on the map. For me to also be from Michigan like him and play for the Lakers is pretty cool because he’s one of the greatest players of all time and anytime you can be around those type of guys, you’re just a sponge around them.
What’s the best advice he’s given you?
Just to have fun, that may sound cliche or simple. But Magic is a simple guy. Just have fun out there, play your game, do what you do. That’s when you’re at the top of your game.
Biggest adjustment you’ve had to make so far to the NBA?
I think it’s more so off the court things. You know when you’re in high school or college, no one really knows you. You can move any type of way you want off the floor. Especially being a Laker, you can’t do that. You have to know what you’re doing before you’re doing it. You can’t be acting crazy in public, you just have to be a role model in the community.
What was the first thought you had when you realized you’d be teaming up with Lonzo Ball?
I was very excited, we both played in the Pac-12. I played against him. I was already a fan of his because of what he did for the UCLA program. So I was definitely very excited.
What’s the one thing that would surprise people about Lonzo?
You know, he’s a really goofy kid. He’s always got a smile on his face, always laughing. Always making jokes. I think that’s one thing, because every time you see him in the media, he’s straightforward and humble and really mature, but he has his funny days as well.
What did it feel like when Charles Barkley called you the best rookie on the Lakers?
I didn’t necessarily get into it a lot, I like to stay even keeled. Of course it’s pretty cool for any type of hall of famer or a person of Chuck’s level to mention that. But I just try to play my game and stay humble.
You’ve been in the starting lineup for the last few games, what was it like when Coach Walton told you that you’d be starting?
It was pretty cool, not too many rookies can say that they’ve started NBA games yet. And for me, that came early. Even better, I’m a starter for the Los Angeles Lakers. It was a good feeling.
What’s the one goal you want to hit, either personally or team wise, this season?
I just want to keep building as a team, that’s my individual goal too. I want to become a leader and sharpen up those skills. I want to keep winning games, that’s very important to me, very important to the rest of the organization. If we win, everybody succeeds.
