Kuzma uses shoes to bring attention to Amazon rainforest fires

Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma made a statement with his footwear during Team USA's exhibition win over Australia on Thursday.

Kuzma's shoes had the word "Amazon" written on them with a heart, which he confirmed on Twitter was done to raise awareness for the wildfires that are raging in Brazil's Amazon rainforest.

Nearly 73,000 wildfires have been detected in the Amazon this year by Brazil's space research center INPE - an 83 percent increase over the same period in 2018, according to Reuters. While the dry season is a contributing factor, some fires are also set illegally by farmers clearing areas for cattle ranching.