NBA star places $36,000 bet on outsider LA mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt winning heated race
NBA star Kyle Kuzma places $36,000 bet on former reality‑TV star Spencer Pratt in Los Angeles mayoral race
In a move that has drawn attention from both sports and political circles, former Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma announced a $36,000 wager on a primary victory for former reality‑TV personality Spencer Pratt in the upcoming nonpartisan Los Angeles mayoral contest. The primary will take place on June 2, and the bet comes as Pratt’s campaign, launched in January, has been steadily gaining traction among voters dissatisfied with the status quo.
Kuzma, 30, was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2016 and spent four seasons with the franchise before winning an NBA championship with the Lakers in 2020. In a brief statement on X, Kuzma said, “LA has been cooked since Covid what am I missing lol.” His comment reflects a growing frustration among some residents with the city’s handling of public safety, economic policy and the ongoing homelessness crisis.
Pratt, who rose to national fame on the reality‑TV series “The Hills,” announced his mayoral bid after his Pacific Palisades home was destroyed by the 2025 wildfires. The former reality star has positioned himself as an outsider candidate, promising a tougher approach to public safety, lower city spending and an end to homeless encampments. Pratt has repeatedly referred to incumbent Mayor Karen Bass as “Karen Basura,” criticizing what he sees as the failure of progressive policies that have contributed to the city’s decline.
Pratt’s campaign has garnered attention not only for its fiery rhetoric but also for the support it has received from high‑profile figures. President Donald Trump has publicly expressed backing for the candidate, and Jeanie Buss, a minority owner of the Lakers, made a maximum donation to Pratt’s campaign. Pratt’s supporters have also pointed to his outspoken stance on issues such as crime, city spending, and the homelessness crisis as a reason why voters are turning to him.
In an interview with OutKick following his appearance at the Ronda Rousey‑Gina Carano event at the Intuit Dome, Pratt promised, “I’m going to make LA safe.” The statement exemplifies the candidate’s emphasis on public safety and a hard‑line approach to law enforcement.
The mayoral race is nonpartisan, and the primary election on June 2 will determine which candidates move forward to the general election. Pratt faces an incumbent mayor who has been criticized by some for her handling of emergency responses during the 2025 wildfire season, a factor that Pratt has highlighted as a key reason for his campaign. Critics of Pratt, however, argue that his past statements and “reality‑TV” background could limit his effectiveness in a complex municipal role.
Kuzma’s bet, while a personal gamble, underscores a broader sentiment among some segments of the electorate that the current leadership has failed to address pressing urban challenges. Whether Pratt will secure the primary vote remains uncertain, but his campaign’s growing visibility and the backing of influential supporters suggest that the race could be more competitive than many had anticipated.
As the June 2 primary approaches, voters will weigh the promise of a new direction against the experience of the incumbent, while the city’s future hangs in the balance. Whether Kuzma’s wager pays off, or Pratt’s campaign turns into a fleeting curiosity, the election will reveal the direction Los Angeles is poised to take.