Kyle Alexander Kuzma Bio
Kyle Alexander Kuzma (born July 24, 1995) is an American professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Flint, Michigan native played college basketball for the University of Utah before entering the 2017 NBA draft, where he was selected 27th overall by the Brooklyn Nets before being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers on draft night. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2018 and won an NBA championship with the Lakers in 2020. Kuzma was traded to the Washington Wizards in 2021 and later joined the Milwaukee Bucks in February 2025.
Beyond his basketball career, Kuzma has pursued business ventures including co-founding Drink Barcode, a fitness water beverage company, and becoming a co-owner of Sierra Racing Club in the UME E1 World Championship series. He is engaged to Canadian model Winnie Harlow.
Early Life and Background
Kyle Alexander Kuzma was born in Flint, Michigan, on July 24, 1995, to Karri Kuzma, who was a high school shot put champion and attended college on a track scholarship. Kuzma is biracial. He has a younger half-brother named Andre and a younger half-sister named Briana. He met his biological father, Larry Smith, only once as an infant and was raised primarily by his mother and her partner, who served as a father figure in his life.
Kuzma has described Flint as a challenging environment with significant street violence and temptations, but he found basketball to be his safe haven from an early age. His mother installed a toy basketball rim in their living room when he was only two years old, sparking his lifelong passion for the sport. He attended Swartz Creek Community Schools before transferring to Bentley High School in Michigan, where he averaged 17.9 points, 14.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 3.4 blocks per game as a junior.
After sending tapes of his shooting ability to preparatory schools, Kuzma attracted the attention of Vin Sparacio, head coach at Rise Academy in Philadelphia, who brought him in as a raw but talented prospect. As a senior at Rise Academy, Kuzma averaged 22 points and seven rebounds per game. He received scholarship offers from multiple Division I programs including Connecticut, Iowa State, Tennessee, and Missouri before ultimately deciding to play for the University of Utah.
Path to Basketball
Kuzma enrolled at the University of Utah in 2013 but redshirted his freshman season due to signing late. He became a starter for the Utes in his sophomore year, averaging 10.8 points per game while demonstrating his ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories. His junior season in 2016-17 marked his breakthrough campaign, as he averaged 16.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, earning him first-team All-Pac-12 honors and establishing himself as a legitimate NBA prospect.
Following his standout junior season, Kuzma made the decision to enter the 2017 NBA draft, forgoing his final year of collegiate eligibility. He graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in sociology. Prior to the draft, he had been projected as a second-round pick, making his first-round selection at 27th overall a significant achievement that validated his development journey from a late-bloomer in high school to a major conference performer.
Kyle Alexander Kuzma Career
Los Angeles Lakers (2017–2021)
Kuzma was selected with the 27th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft by the Brooklyn Nets before being traded on draft night to the Los Angeles Lakers along with Brook Lopez in exchange for D’Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov. He signed his rookie scale contract with the Lakers on July 3, 2017. During the 2017 NBA Summer League, he led the team in scoring across seven games, averaging 21.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game. He was named to the All-Summer League Second Team and earned Summer League Championship Game MVP honors after recording a 30-point, 10-rebound double-double in the championship victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.
During his rookie season, Kuzma earned Western Conference Rookie of the Month honors for October and November, becoming the first NBA rookie to compile at least 330 points, 120 rebounds, and 30 made three-pointers in his first 20 games while averaging a team-leading 16.7 points per game. A defining moment came in December 2017 when he scored a career-high 38 points on 70 percent shooting in a win over the Houston Rockets, ending their 14-game winning streak. He followed with 27 points in the next game, becoming the first Lakers rookie since Jerry West in 1961 to score 25 or more points in three consecutive contests. His impressive rookie campaign concluded with him being named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.
In the 2018-19 season, Kuzma continued his development, scoring a season-high 37 points against the San Antonio Spurs in October and a career-high 41 points versus the Detroit Pistons in January. He participated in his second Rising Stars Challenge during All-Star Weekend, earning MVP honors with a game-high 35-point performance. During the shortened 2019-20 season, he contributed to the Lakers’ championship run, scoring a career playoff-high 19 points in Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat. The Lakers won the series 4-2 to capture their 17th NBA championship. On December 21, 2020, Kuzma signed a three-year, $40 million contract extension with the Lakers.
Washington Wizards (2021–2025)
On August 6, 2021, Kuzma was traded to the Washington Wizards as part of the package for Russell Westbrook. He made his Wizards debut on October 20, recording 11 points, 15 rebounds, and 3 assists in a win over the Toronto Raptors. Throughout his first season with Washington, he showcased his scoring ability with several standout performances, including a 36-point effort against the Charlotte Hornets in January 2022 and a career-high 22 rebounds versus the Orlando Magic in January 2022.
A major milestone came in February 2022 when Kuzma recorded his first career triple-double, finishing with 15 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists in a win over the Brooklyn Nets. In January 2023, he delivered a clutch performance with a game-winning three-pointer against the Chicago Bulls, followed by a 40-point game against the New York Knicks. On June 20, 2023, he declined his $13 million player option and entered free agency before returning to Washington on June 30 with a four-year, $102 million contract. His tenure with the Wizards concluded in February 2025 when he was traded to Milwaukee.
Milwaukee Bucks Era (2025–Present)
Kuzma joined the Milwaukee Bucks on February 6, 2025, as part of a multi-team trade. He made his Bucks debut on February 7, contributing 12 points and 7 rebounds in a closely contested game against the Atlanta Hawks. The transition to a new team and system presented challenges during the postseason, where he saw limited minutes in the Bucks’ playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, with the Bucks losing in five games.
Throughout the 2025-26 season, Kuzma carved out an important role within the Bucks’ rotation. He registered a season-high 31 points during a December 2025 victory over the Boston Celtics, showcasing his ability to perform against elite competition. In March 2026, he continued his strong offensive production with a 33-point performance against the Phoenix Suns, connecting on 6 of 10 three-point attempts. His contributions have helped maintain the Bucks’ competitive standing in the Eastern Conference.
Playing Style and Strengths
Kuzma is known for his versatility as a forward, capable of playing both power forward and small forward positions. His offensive repertoire includes a reliable mid-range jumper, effective post moves, and increasingly confident three-point shooting. Standing 6 feet 8 inches with good length, he rebounds effectively and can guard multiple positions defensively. His ability to score in bunches and create his own shot makes him a valuable secondary option alongside primary scorers.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Kuzma has achieved several memorable moments. During his rookie year, he ended the Houston Rockets’ 14-game winning streak with a 38-point performance on 70 percent shooting. In the 2020 playoffs, his game-winning three-pointer against the Denver Nuggets capped off a 25-point night and helped the Lakers advance. His first career triple-double with the Wizards in February 2022 marked another milestone, demonstrating his all-around capabilities. Most recently, his game-winning shot against the Chicago Bulls in January 2023 and his 40-point performance against the Knicks solidified his reputation as a clutch performer.
Kyle Alexander Kuzma Career Highlights
Throughout his NBA career, Kuzma has established himself as a productive forward with notable achievements at every level. His rookie season set the tone for his professional career, and he has consistently contributed to winning teams throughout his journey from Los Angeles to Washington to Milwaukee.
Major Achievements
Kuzma’s career highlights include winning an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, earning NBA All-Rookie First Team honors in 2018, and being selected First-team All-Pac-12 during his junior season at Utah in 2017. He has appeared in 29 playoff games throughout his career, with his most significant postseason contribution coming during the Lakers’ championship run. His ability to perform in high-stakes situations, including game-winning shots against the Denver Nuggets and Chicago Bulls, has defined his playoff reputation.
College and Pre-NBA Recognition
Before reaching the NBA, Kuzma earned recognition as a first-team All-Pac-12 selection during his junior season at the University of Utah in 2017. His development from a raw prospect at Rise Academy in Philadelphia to a first-round NBA draft pick demonstrated his dedication to improvement and his ability to elevate his game at each level of competition. His journey serves as an example of how persistence and continuous development can lead to professional success.
Family and Personal Life
Family Background
Kuzma was born in Flint, Michigan, to Karri Kuzma, who was a high school shot put champion and attended college on a track scholarship. His multicultural background includes his mother, who is white, and his biological father Larry Smith, who is Black. Kuzma met his father only once as an infant, and he was raised primarily by his mother and her partner, who served as a father figure alongside his half-siblings Andre and Briana.
Personal Life
Since 2020, Kuzma has been in a relationship with Canadian model Winnie Harlow, who gained prominence as a contestant on Cycle 21 of America’s Next Top Model and has built a successful career as a public figure and brand ambassador. The couple announced their engagement through social media on February 19, 2025, sharing their joy with fans and followers. Kuzma’s personal life has attracted media attention due to Harlow’s public profile, but he has maintained a relatively private approach to their relationship while occasionally sharing glimpses of their life together on social media.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a significant transition for Kuzma as he joined the Milwaukee Bucks following a four-year tenure with the Washington Wizards. The mid-season trade presented an adjustment period as he learned a new system and developed chemistry with new teammates. His Bucks debut came against the Atlanta Hawks, where he contributed 12 points and 7 rebounds in a competitive game. The playoff appearance against the Indiana Pacers provided valuable postseason experience in a new environment, though his limited minutes reflected the typical challenges of integrating into a new team during the postseason.
As the 2025-26 season progressed, Kuzma demonstrated his ability to contribute consistently to the Bucks’ success. His 31-point performance against the Boston Celtics in December 2025 showcased his scoring ability in meaningful games against elite competition. The continued development of his three-point shooting, making 6 of 10 attempts in a March 2026 game against Phoenix, reflected his ongoing commitment to expanding his offensive arsenal. Working within the Bucks’ system alongside established stars, Kuzma has established himself as a reliable contributor who can provide instant offense off the bench or in starting roles depending on team needs.