Anyone who followed the Los Angeles Lakers this season witnessed the on- and off-court chemistry between rookies Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma. From the moment they stepped on the court together, the two just seemed to be a perfect fit.
That extends to off the court as well as there have been a number of social media videos with the two teasing each other. The majority of the time it seems as if Kuzma is doing the teasing, with Ball having to defend himself.
And apparently that is by design if you ask Kuzma. He jokingly explained in an appearance on ESPN’s The Jump with Rachel Nichols that he feels a responsibility to humble Ball:
“I just go at him recklessly, really. I feel like he deserves it. I feel like I have to bring him back down to life sometimes. That’s my responsibility.”
Lonzo has been in the spotlight ever since he was made the second overall selection in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Lakers. His father, LaVar, has continually put pressure on him to succeed and Magic Johnson put even more on him by suggesting that he would break his own Laker records.
That is in stark contrast to Kuzma who, as the 27th overall pick, had far lower expectations on him as a rookie. This difference, however, is what has really brought the two together with Kuzma insulting everything about Ball from his eating habits, to fashion, to manners, but always in good fun.
Kuzma being a couple years older than Lonzo also brings a bit of a big brother-little brother feel to their relationship. Nonetheless, their friendship off the court helps them on it and as long as the two remain in sync, they can potentially become one of the best combos in basketball.
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