Image via Complex Original
Yesterday it was made official that Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma would be signing an endorsement deal with PUMA. The announcement proved the rumors true after Kuzma had been seen at Lakers Media Day earlier this week rocking a PUMA collaboration with Rhuigi Villaseñor's popular brand Rhude for in photoshoots.
The deal was marked with a special "Kuzma" billboard popping up off the highway in Los Angeles that melded Hulk Hogan's signature Hulkamania font with the "MA" from PUMA's usual branding. To cap off the day, Kuzma passed out T-shirts bearing the same graphic and tacos to fans at a special event on Fairfax Avenue.
According to ESPN, Kuzma signed a five-year deal worth $20 million with potential for incentive-based bonuses. It is a big step up from the $25,000/year contract he signed with Nike as a rookie just three years prior.
"I think the biggest thing is having the flexibility to do things with off court lifestyle and on the court. It was more about me than the brand, what ideas i had, and what I envisioned," Kuzma told Complex. "That’s the new age of how to do business. It’s partnerships, having the best interest of both parties involved."
We got a chance to speak with Kuzma following his big signing. Here are the biggest takeaways from the young NBA star's new shoe deal.
PUMA Gave Him the Private Jet Treatment
Part of PUMA's pitch to Kuz included flying out the young Lakers star on a private jet from Team USA practice in Las Vegas to Boston for its formal presentation.
"I don't think any companies have that," Kuzma told ESPN.
It's Worth Way More Than His Nike Deal Was
As a rookie, Kuzma signed an endorsement deal with Nike worth $25,000 per year. While the relationship seemed to be picking up some steam last season with the third-year player helping the brand debut the Adapt BB on the hardwood, the two parties were unable to come to an agreement on a new deal.
His PUMA deal is a significant increase from his previous endorsement contract. It is reportedly a five-year deal worth $20 million.
JAY-Z's Role in the Signing
One of the major storylines when PUMA announced it would be reviving its basketball division last season was that JAY-Z would be taking on the role of creative director. Kuzma commented on the role Hov played in the process.
"Jay isn't super involved, but I have a relationship with him and his team. Having conversations with them and seeing what type of vision they have for what PUMA can do in the next couple years, they saw me as a perfect fit for that vision. It’s been love ever since," he tells Complex. "At the end of the day, he is a billionaire and it seems like everything he does hits. But I have to make the best decision for me, whether its him or someone else with the brand. I thought PUMA was the best fit for me. They saw that too, and took a chance on me."
He Will Continue to Work With GOAT
In October 2018, Kuzma signed a first-of-its-kind deal with the GOAT app. The popular reselling platform would lace up Kuz in the tunnel and on the court in rare and limited sneakers. Kuzma confirmed that this partnership would continue this season.
"I’m just trying to carve out a different lane. Obviously, GOAT is known for reselling sneakers, but we have a couple projects we are working on to take that to the next level," says Kuzma. "I'm just just trying to make those innovations and continue the process."
He Takes Inspiration From LeBron James
Sharing a locker room with an athlete as big as LeBron James certainly has its perks. Not only do the two teammates show love to each other's personal style, but Kuzma says he admires the creativity that the lifetime Nike athlete brings to his signature line.
"Bron and I know of each other’s fashion sense. It’s never a competition. It’s all love. Whenever I'm wearing something cool he’ll be like, 'Damn Kuz. That’s dope.' I do the same thing," Kuzma tells Complex. "At the end of the day, he only wears his own shoe, which is cool. He has so many variations. He always has something different. The 'Superbron' was crazy. The kid's version of the [LeBron] 16 with the lion on it was cool too. He always comes up with creative ways to make something unbelievable."
He Wants to Do a Nipsey Hussle Tribute Sneaker
Kuzma will be wearing PUMA's brand new Clyde Hardwood model on court this year in a wide array of colorways. One of the color schemes he wants to lace up is a pair inspired by late rapper and Lakers fan Nipsey Hussle.
"Ever since that moment, trying to carry on that marathon and that type of symbolism, it kind of meant a lot to me," Kuzma told ESPN. "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."
It Was Hard for Him to Give Up Wearing Kobes
One of the things the 24-year old said he would miss most about his Nike deal is getting to wear his idol Kobe Bryant's signature sneakers.
"It was tough from the simple fact of how much I love Kobe. Everyone knows that I wear Kobe's shoes," Kuzma told ESPN. "It was tough, but at the end of the day, I have dreams and goals and I imagine myself being at that type of level in this business."
He Is Happy for Zion Williamson
One of the hottest sneaker free agents this offseason was New Orleans Pelicans rookie forward Zion Williamson. Rumors swirled over the summer that the young talent was extremely close to signing on with PUMA Hoops. Ultimately, he ended up choosing Jordan Brand, but Kuzma says that he is happy for the highly-touted 19-year old.
"I never really had communication with PUMA regarding Zion. He made the best decision for him by signing with Jordan, and is staring that way. Im happy for him."
