clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Lakers News: Kyle Kuzma says he and Kobe Bryant talk ‘a lot’

Kobe Bryant finally found a rookie he doesn’t hate and his name is Kyle Kuzma.

NBA: Boston Celtics at Los Angeles Lakers Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The offseason started a little bit sooner than the Los Angeles Lakers would have liked, but their players have had no trouble keeping busy. While some are already in the gym, others, like rookie Kyle Kuzma, can’t stay away from the limelight.

In what was his third television appearance this week, Kuzma sat down with the crew at NBA TV’s “The Starters” to talk about his first season with the Lake Show. During his interview, Kuzma was asked who his favorite Laker of all time was and the answer was hardly surprising.

“Kobe,” Kuzma answered confidently. “I’m a fan of all basketball, but he’s one of my favorite players of all time. His mindset, the way he approaches the game is similar to how I want to approach it. Everybody likes a scorer and that’s what he did a lot.”

Kuzma and Bryant first had dinner together in November and according to Kuzma, they’ve gone out a few times since and have kept in touch.

“I use him a lot,” Kuzma said. “He’s a valuable resource. Any time I have a question or anything, he’s just a text away. We went to dinner a couple of times. He’s a great person.”

Bryant has made himself available to players around the NBA for advice, saying he is an “open book” for anyone that has the courage to reach out. Kuzma apparently took that to heart, but he hasn’t limited his resources to just Bryant.

Throughout the season, Kuzma could be seen on the sidelines asking players ranging from from Sacramento Kings guard Vince Carter to retired NBA All-Star Chris Bosh for advice.

Kuzma already shattered expectations in his rookie season with the Lakers, but if he continues to seek advice from all-time NBA greats like Kobe Bryant, there’s a chance he’ll be better than anyone could have imagined.


Sign up for the newsletter Sign up for the Silver Screen & Roll Daily Roundup newsletter!

A daily roundup of Los Angeles Lakers news from Silver Screen & Roll