Wizards' Kyle Kuzma changes jersey number 'out of respect for Gilbert Arenas'

Kyle Kuzma is ditching No. 0 for No. 33.

After wearing No. 0 for the last four seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, Kuzma decided to change his number following a trade to the Washington Wizards out of respect for 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 is the only player in Wizards history to wear No. 0. He gave Russell Westbrook his blessing to wear it last season, but the nine-time All-Star chose No. 4 instead.

Arenas spent eight of his 11 NBA seasons in Washington. The 39-year-old averaged 25 points, 5.7 assists and 4.2 rebounds in 357 games with the franchise while shooting 42.2% from the field and 35.7% from deep.

Arenas began his NBA career with the Golden State Warriors, who selected him in the second round of the 2001 draft. He then signed with the Wizards in 2003 and was with the franchise until the 2010-11 season. Washington traded him to the Orlando Magic, and then he joined the Memphis Grizzlies for the 2011-12 season. 

Arenas joined the Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association for the 2012-13 season and played one season before retiring.