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Kuzma changed jersey number with Wizards 'out of respect' for Arenas

Stephen Gosling / National Basketball Association / Getty

Kyle Kuzma is saying goodbye to No. 0.

After wearing the number the last four seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, Kuzma opted to switch to No. 33 following his trade to the Washington Wizards to honor Gilbert Arenas.

"Out of respect for Gilbert Arenas," Kuzma told NBC Sports Washington's Chase Hughes. "That was probably one of the biggest things. When you think of the Washington Wizards, honestly the first person I think of, because my generation, is Gilbert Arenas, Agent Zero. Obviously, that played a big part and having a fresh start. I just felt it was right."

Arenas, who spent eight campaigns in Washington, is the only player in franchise history to ever don No. 0. The 39-year-old gave Russell Westbrook his blessing to wear the number with the Wizards last season, but Westbrook chose No. 4 instead.

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