When it comes to making fashion statements, no one on the Los Angeles Lakers does so more than rookie Kyle Kuzma. His fur coat earlier this season turned heads and he did so again on Wednesday night when brought out a Nick Van Exel throwback jersey.
Van Exel of course, was the Lakers’ second-round pick in 1993 and quickly became one of the team’s most popular players in the years between the Showtime and Kobe/Shaq years. Apparently one of those fans was Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James.
When pictures began floating around of Kuzma’s homage to Van Exel, James showed his appreciation for the throwback:
????????????????????????????????. https://t.co/hdP1K0mSk5
— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 5, 2018
Apparently some fans questioned why James cared about the former Lakers point guard because he would have one more response, imploring fans to do some research and check his highlights:
Nick the Quick was a Animal out there! Go check the highlights
— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 5, 2018
Van Exel and Eddie Jones came to represent the young, exciting Lakers of the mid-90s. While Jones was more of the silent, but deadly player, Van Exel had a certain swagger and carried himself like he was the best player on the court at all times. His highlight reel is full of impressive crossovers and heart-stopping buzzer-beaters.
In a lot of ways Van Exel, Jones, and Cedric Ceballos were similar to the young Lakers of today in Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, and Lonzo Ball. Both trios possess a ton of talent and, if the Lakers have their way, could also bring in a couple of star players in free agency to push them to another level.
Perhaps that is a reason why Kuzma chose to rock his throwback as opposed to someone else’s. Van Exel was a cult favorite among Lakers fans, and apparently his popularity stretched well beyond that if James was a fan as well.
“I just picked it up at a vintage shop,” Kuzma said. “I saw it and I was like, ‘I got to get it.’ I knew people would like it.”
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