The Summer of Kyle Kuzma is ending on a high note. After being one of the only young Lakers to survive the Anthony Davis trade and being a part of the USA Basketball training camp, Kuzma is very close to becoming the next face of Puma’s basketball line.
Marc Stein of The New York times confirmed that Nike is unlikely to match Puma’s offer to Kuzma, which is likely a considerable raise from the rookie contract Kuzma signed with Nike when he entered the league.
Being on the Lakers and having the following of Lakers fans worldwide definitely helps Kuzma’s bargaining power, as well as his marketability. Puma will also have quite a strong presence on the Lakers now with Kuzma in the fold. Free agent acquisition and expected starter Danny Green is also a Puma athlete, as well as injured Lakers center DeMarcus Cousins who is expected to join the team in Las Vegas for their mini-camp.
