NBA China Controversy Ruined Endorsement Deals for Kyle Kuzma

It would appear that the backlash surrounding the NBA's ongoing political controversy with China, which materialized last week when Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey tweeted out his support for protestors in Hong Kong, is now impacting the well-being of the league's players.

Los Angeles Lakers winger Kyle Kuzma has reportedly annulled his potential endorsement deal(s) in China as the contentious events continue to unravel.

Bill Oram of The Athletic reported on Sunday that Kuzma was planning to publicize a plethora of endorsement deals in China in the near future.

It hasn't been disclosed as to what brand or company Kuzma intended on signing for, but we do know that he signed a MASSIVE endorsement deal with Puma to become the face of the brand earlier in the month.

Perhaps the 2017 first-round pick was planning to announce an expansion deal of sorts concerning Puma on the back of that lucrative contract?

Whatever the case, this reality for Kuzma is a big time shame. As we know, he possesses one of the most captivating personalities in the NBA, and he was simply attempting to use that to his advantage by expanding his brand to other countries (on the verge of a big season for the Lakers, too).

Kuzma pulling out of the deal also serves as further proof that the Association is doing everything they can to distance themselves and cut ties with China in the heat of the moment.