“LeBron James gives a shoutout to Kyle Kuzma in light of the latter’s game-clinching 3-pointer”: The former Lakers teammates squash rumors of a reported rift

LeBron James gives a shoutout to his former teammate Kyle Kuzma. The Wizards forward sank a crucial 3-pointer in overtime against the Detroit Pistons.

The contest between the Washington Wizards and the Detroit Pistons was a thriller, with it going to overtime. However, the Wizards would prevail over the Pistons. Kyle Kuzma and Bradley Beal combined for 51-points, with the former sinking the game-clinching 3-pointer.

KYLE KUZMA HITS THE GAME-WINNER IN OT 🎯 pic.twitter.com/CHBHgtd43d

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 9, 2021

Kuzma was 44.4% from the field and 40.0% from the 3-point line. The Wizards have been the surprise package in the eastern conference this year. The acquiring of Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Spencer Dinwiddie has worked wonders for the team.

The Lakers sent Kuzma, Harrell, and KCP in a package deal to the Wizards in exchange for Russell Westbrook during the off-season. There were various reports of LeBron James having a rift with Kuzma in light of the latter’s poor performances.

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Nonetheless, King James gave Kuzma his flowers for his recent game-winning performance against the Wizards.

LeBron James takes notice of Kuzma’s recent game-clinching 3-pointer.

Though there were rumors of a rift between the former teammates both Kuzma and James maintained a dignified silence. Kuzma had publicly stated there was no bitterness between the two parties and that he was hanging out with James a couple of days after being traded from the Lakers.

The 2020-21 season was a disappointing outing for Kuzma, especially during the playoffs against the Phoenix Suns. The former Lakers player averaged 6.3 PPG on a dismal 29.2% shooting from the field in the 2021 playoffs.

Kuzma would then be traded to the Wizards during the off-season and has never looked back since then. The twenty-six-year-old is currently averaging 13.4 PPG and 8.3 RPG. The former champion is shooting above 40% from the field.

His recent game-clinching three-pointer against his hometown Detroit earned him some praise from King James.

KUUUUUUUZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!

— LeBron James (@KingJames) December 9, 2021

Currently fifth in the eastern conference, the Wizards are the underdogs and make for strong contenders. Kuzma is having a breakthrough year with the Wizards.

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The critics had written off the 6″9′ forward owing to his dismal performance last season with the Lakers. Nonetheless, he has proved everyone wrong with his recent performances.