HAVING made a name in both sports and fashion scene, Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma takes on his biggest endorsement deal yet with German athletic apparel giant Puma.
The 24-year-old expressed his enthusiasm over being named the newest addition to the Puma Hoops Basketball endorsers, joining RJ Barrett, Marvin Bagley III, Terry Rozier, Deandre Ayton, Kevin Knox, Michael Porter Jr., WNBA star Skylar Diggins-Smith, Danny Green, Zhaire Smith, Rudy Gay, and Demarcus Cousins.
"I'm so excited to be here, it's amazing," wrote Kuzma, who also shared a photo of a billboard advertisement of his latest partnership, on the heels of his two-year contract with Nike.
Puma confirmed the news on IG: "Kuz control on. Welcome to the Fam."
In an interview with ESPN, Kuzma explained that this over $20 million deal will allow him to let his style maven side loose.
"The No. 1 thing I was trying to look for was a little bit more control, a little bit more freedom to do certain things. Not to be restricted from an idea standpoint," the young Laker said. "Having a brand fully commit to me and see that I have visions too — that could work out well for the brand and me as well. Puma was that."
He also revealed that part of the reason why came to this decision is his personal tribute to late rapper and avid Lakers fan Nipsey Hussle, whose community service he wants to emulate.
"Ever since that moment, trying to carry on that marathon and that type of symbolism, it kind of meant a lot to me," said Kuzma, who has a "TMC" flag tattoo on his arm. "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."
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