Kyle Kuzma of the Washington Wizards has a dream and a vision of playing in the 2028 Olympic Summer Games. Whether it be with Team USA, his preference, or another nation, Kuzma is expressing his desire to represent one country or another. Does he have a shot? And if not with Team USA, who else?
Kyle Kuzma Hoping to Crack a 2028 Olympics Roster
Kyle Kuzma Has Eyes Set on Next Olympics
NBA fashion avatar and Washington Wizards star Kyle Kuzma is attempting to manifest a lofty future to come his way when the 2028 Olympic Games rest in Los Angeles. This would be Kuzma’s second attempt at representing a country in the FIBA Basketball realm. In 2019, he was set to play for Team USA in the FIBA World Cup. Unfortunately, he suffered a left ankle injury that knocked him out of the running for a roster spot.
In an interview with All-Star Magazine, Kuzma discussed the opportunity to represent Team USA on the big summer international stage.
“My number one goal is to play with Team USA in the Olympics, 100%, in four years,” he said during a visit to Manila. “I had the opportunity to play for Team USA back in the 2019 FIBA World Cup before I broke my foot, but I think it’s really cool that other players are going other places to play. Because it’s very, very tough to play for Team USA, it’s the top of the top, and it’s a little political at some times. But I’m going to work hard and hopefully I can get back there one day.”
For any NBA player, a chance to play for your home country on one of, if not the largest, international stages of sport worldwide is an honor and privilege. Kyle Kuzma has the right heart and posture on the matter, which is in line with his hopes of achieving it. The question is, is it realistic for the former All-Rookie?
If Not USA, Then…
An interesting element comes into play for Kuzma’s Olympic dreams. Now, rationally, and unfortunately for Kuzma, breaking through to a Team USA roster will be challenging considering the wealth of talent the Americans boast. While legends LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant might not be on the team in 2028 there will be far more talented players than Kuzma who will be prioritized to take those roster spots.
If a Team USA opportunity fails to pan out, Kuzma does have another nation in mind—the Philippines. He would join friend and former Lakers teammate Jordan Clarkson in that case. Kuzma would need to receive all the proper clearance and a go-ahead from FIBA and Team USA. Providing those things happen, he just might have a shot at playing in the Olympics.
How Kuzma Can Help Himself
The Lakers fumbled Kyle Kuzma when they traded him as part of the Russell Westbrook trade back in the 2021 off-season. That trade, as history has shown, did not pan out. He has shared his thoughts on the entire ordeal, admitting he felt the Lakers gave up on him too early. The very real thing is they did. Kuzma has played exceptionally well in his three years in Washington. The past two seasons saw him average over 20 points per game and 17.3 for his career.
If Kyle Kuzma cherishes an Olympic opportunity as he seems to, there are ways he can propel his case forward. Keeping his production up, contributing to his team, and showing he has the game and skill to offer on the international level are a few. All of this despite playing on a very likely basement team. Suppose a chance doesn’t come with Team USA. There is reason enough to believe that representing the Philippines is well within Kuzma’s grasp. In the interview, he said that working hard toward the goal is the only way to achieve it.
