Kyle Kuzma denies rift with Lonzo Ball, says two are still friends

A video of Kyle Kuzma and Lonzo Ball circulated following Friday’s game that seemed to indicate a rift in the friendship between the two.

Following Friday’s game between the Lakers and Pelicans, a video circulated the internet that did not paint a glowing light on the once strong friendship between Lonzo Ball and Kyle Kuzma.

During their time in Los Angeles as teammates, Kuzma and Ball were seemingly inseparable. However, after the trade, the two appeared to have grown apart. Deep divers into social media noted that neither follow each other on Instagram.

All that made Friday’s video following the game at Staples Center, which the Lakers won 123-113, all the more interesting as a seemingly disinterested Ball shrugged off Kuzma.

The video quickly spread but Kuzma put out some of the fire with a post to his Instagram story noting that Ball was simply making fun of Kuzma’s new hair-do.

After the game, Kuzma was asked about his relationship with not just Ball but fellow former teammates Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart (via Harrison Faigen/Silver Screen & Roll).

“They came ready to play. Like you said, I’m still friends with those guys. It’s good to see them doing well and playing to the ability we all know they can play.

“I thought (the video tribute) was cool. Obviously, the fans really embraced the young core while we had it. I know those guys enjoyed being here. It was cool to see…them to be on their feet and play well and play the well they’re playing.”

Kuzma also added that he has watched the Pelicans’ games “whenever he can” this season. It appears that the video was something taken out of context and the two are still friends, regardless of what social media says.

[lawrence-related id=19373,19364,19357]