Former Ute Kyle Kuzma Wants Same Reception As Jimmer
Mar 27, 2019, 4:12 PM | Updated: 4:14 pm
Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on February 07, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – After seeing the reception that former BYU star and current Phoenix Suns guard Jimmer Fredette received on Monday night, former Ute and current Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma wants the same reception on Wednesday night at Vivint Smart Home Arena.
Fredette checked into the game on Monday for the first time at the start of the second quarter and received a standing ovation.
He finished with 6 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist and 1 steal, while shooting 1-for-10 from the field and 0-of-5 from downtown in 14 minutes. The Jazz beat the Suns 125-92.
Kuzma posted on Twitter about the reaction of the fans when Jimmer was playing on Monday night.
Jazz fans are booing the refs for calling a travel on Jimmer lol that BYU love different
— kuz (@kylekuzma) March 26, 2019
Towards the end of the game, knowing that he would be playing in Salt Lake City two nights later, Kuzma called out the Ute fans and wants the same reception as Fredette.
Mannnnnn I better get the same reception Ute fans this is amazing 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
— kuz (@kylekuzma) March 26, 2019
Kuzma will likely carry the load for the Lakers against the Jazz with LeBron James not playing in the game.
He is in his second season in the NBA, averaging 18.6 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. During his rookie season, he posted 16.1 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.
The Flint, Michigan native played three seasons for the University of Utah from 2014-17. He recorded 3.3 points in 2014-15, 10.8 points in 2015-16 and averaged 16.4 points per game during his last season with the Utes. Kuzma was selected by the Brooklyn Nets with the 27th overall pick in the first round of the 2017 draft and was traded immediately to the Lakers that night.
The Lakers are 33-41 on the season and will not make the playoffs.
The Jazz and Lakers will begin at 8:30 p.m. on ESPN.
