Kyle Kuzma explains relationship with Lakers, decision to stay with Wizards / News - Basketnews.com

Kuzma says he's thankful for his time in LA because it helped him build a thicker skin and not pay too much attention to outside noise. He says it wasn't the right time to move from the Wizards, as he's trying to build his name in Washington and isn't ready to move to the wrong situation elsewhere.

Credit: Patrick Smith/Getty Images North America/Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix Credit Patrick Smith/Getty Images North America/Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix

Although Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma was once again rumored to leave the organization, the 28-year-old stayed put once again.

Kyle Kuzma

MIN:31.71PTS:21.73 (50.54%)REB:6.39As:4.2ST:0.41BL:0.69TO:2.63GM:51ProfileNBA2023/2024

Kuzma asked the franchise to remain on the roster and not be traded away before the February 8th's deadline. His wish was granted. As the Dallas Mavericks were one of the teams mentioned that could strike a deal for Kuzma, the game against them doesn't make much of a difference, the player says.

"I mean, I've been in trade rumors my whole career — with many teams — so for me, it's just another game. Being in Year 7, being through things of this nature a little bit, for me it's nothing really different," Kuzma told NBA insider Marc Stein.

"I just felt like, you know, we're all on such different timelines in our lives. Although I have good relationships in [the Dallas] organization, this wasn't probably the right time for me in my career — especially just trying to build something here," Kuzma explained. "That's something I don’t shy away from. So I think that was the biggest factor. Also, there's not too many contending teams, and going to the right situation is always the most important thing in the NBA."

After leaving the Los Angeles Lakers in 2021 to sign a deal with the Wizards, Kuzma has been the main guy on the roster. This season, he's been averaging 21.8 points (career-best), 6.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists (career-best) per game.

"I'm building great habits. It's not about scoring. It's about the other things," Kuzma said about the Wizards. "Trying to score 25, 30 points a night on a bad team doesn't really move me. It's all about growth, defensive strides, helping other guys get better on the team and just improving my court presence."

Despite leaving Los Angeles to pursue a bigger role elsewhere, Kuzma thinks that his time with the Lakers was beneficial for his development.

"I think my time in L.A. was a blessing for me — being in the spotlight, being in front of the cameras, being the scapegoat a lot of the time. I think it really just made me have thick skin and build a sense of just blocking out noise. Opinions of others really don't really bother me because there's context into everything. I'm just myself, I be myself and I know what's important in my life," he concluded.

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