Kyle Kuzma is one of the most intriguing players in the NBA, a versatile forward whose on-court game is matched only by his off-court persona.
From winning a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers to becoming a foundational piece for the Milwaukee Bucks, Kuzma’s journey is one of continuous evolution. While his game has steadily progressed, his sense of style has undergone a more noticeable transformation in recent years.
Known for his show-stopping, eclectic fashion during his time in L.A. and Washington, Kuzma has since embraced a more subdued, yet equally sophisticated, aesthetic.
This shift mirrors a broader trend of athletes defining their own narrative through personal expression and maturation. Beyond the threads, the former Utah Ute has successfully adapted his play to fit alongside some of the league’s biggest names.
His recent move to Milwaukee places him in a new system alongside superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, requiring yet another layer of on-court adjustment.
A conversation with Kuzma reveals a thoughtful player focused on fitting in and finding his way, both geographically and stylistically.
The small-town kid from Flint, Michigan, has navigated big markets and bigger expectations with grace and self-awareness.We sat down with Kuzma to discuss the maturation of his “swag,” his memories of Philadelphia, and the subtle differences in playing with future Hall-of-Famers like LeBron James and Giannis.
Q&A with Kyle Kuzma:
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: You went from LA to Washington to Milwaukee and in that period of time from Washington to Milwaukee, you became a fashion minimalist. Was your decision based on the fact that you’re no longer in LA or the northeast or was it simply a personal choice?
Kyle Kuzma: It was a personal choice. Moreso, just maturing. That’s all. Mature swag!
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: Mature swag. I like that. So what does that consist of?
Kyle Kuzma: That’s a great question. It’s more of a personal touch than anything. I like playing with silhouettes. So I try to play with the proportion of my body to the clothes, if that makes sense.
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: The clothes that you had when you were in LA and Washington, does it get to a point where you can repurpose them? Did you sell them? Where are they? Where do they live?
Kyle Kuzma: I keep everything or I give them to teammates. So my closet is pretty hefty over the years. I try to downsize a little bit because that’s a lot, but I don’t really buy too many clothes anymore. I kinda got everything I kinda need.
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: What has the adjustment been like for you from Washington to Milwaukee?
Kyle Kuzma: The biggest adjustment is just finding my way. Find my way and fitting in.
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: Something that I read about you that I found interesting, is that even though you’re from Flint, you spent some time in high school in Philadelphia. What high school did you go to?
Kyle Kuzma: It was called Rise Academy. It’s not around anymore but it was a boarding school. I went to a school in San Diego at first and then transferred over during my last year, senior year, just like halfway. And spent some time out there, some good times. Good times.
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: What did you learn about Philly slang and Philly culture while you were there?
Kyle Kuzma: Man, everything. Jawn, bul, just the accent is funny. Cheesesteaks, slices of cheese pizza, although that’s New York but it’s close enough, for a kid from the Midwest.
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: Around that time when you were there, what was the Sixers team looking like back then?
Kyle Kuzma: Dorell Wright was on the team back then. I don’t think they were too good. I think that was like what twenty thirteen maybe? That had to be about 2013 – 14. Actually, it was 2012 – 13. So I don’t think they were too good. I think this was just before The Process.
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: You’ve played with megastars, LeBron as well as Giannis. What’s the difference in spacing playing alongside those two for you?
Kyle Kuzma: That’s a good question. Very similar. But they play different positions in the fourth. Bron’s more of a guard. Giannis is a guard as well, but does a lot more damage. Probably from eight feet and in.
Kyle Kuzma’s evolution is a masterclass in adapting to change, both on and off the court. His embrace of a “mature swag” is more than just a style preference; it’s a testament to his own personal growth and understanding of self.
By focusing on silhouettes and proportions, he applies a refined, almost architectural approach to his personal presentation. Furthermore, his insights into playing alongside generational talents like LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo highlight his high basketball IQ and ability to find his niche among superstars.
The subtle positional differences he notes between the two MVPs—a more guard-like Bron versus a paint-dominant Giannis—is critical to understanding his current role in Milwaukee.
His journey from Flint to Philadelphia, San Diego, L.A., and now Milwaukee, has clearly given him a perspective that transcends basketball.
Kuzma is not just navigating the league; he is curating his own experience, from his closet to the court. The biggest adjustment, as he noted, is simply “finding my way and fitting in,” a process he seems to be handling with impressive self-awareness and style.
