{"id":332277,"date":"2026-05-26T01:05:29","date_gmt":"2026-05-26T01:05:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/332277\/"},"modified":"2026-05-26T01:05:29","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T01:05:29","slug":"nba-star-places-36000-bet-on-outsider-la-mayoral-candidate-spencer-pratt-winning-heated-race","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/332277\/","title":{"rendered":"NBA star places $36,000 bet on outsider LA mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt winning heated race"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Milwaukee Bucks<\/a> forward Kyle Kuzma is betting big that LA will change its ways.<\/p>\n

Kuzma added some intrigue to next week\u2019s nonpartisan primary, placing a $36,000 bet that former “The Hills” reality star Spencer Pratt will pull off an upset victory and become the next mayor of Los Angeles. With the June 2 vote just days away, Kuzma, who won a championship with the Lakers in 2020, is backing Pratt\u2019s campaign.<\/p>\n

When criticized for throwing his support behind Pratt, Kuzma responded on X: “LA has been cooked since Covid what am I missing lol.”<\/p>\n

Kuzma, 30, was drafted by the Lakers and spent four seasons with the franchise.<\/p>\n

For voters frustrated with the status quo, Spencer Pratt has positioned himself as an outsider candidate promising changes to local government and a tougher approach to public safety.<\/p>\n

Since launching his campaign, Pratt has also received support from President Trump and Lakers minority owner Jeanie Buss.<\/p>\n

JEANIE BUSS MAKES MAX DONATION TO SPENCER PRATT LA MAYORAL CAMPAIGN<\/a><\/p>\n

Pratt launched his campaign in January<\/a> after losing his Pacific Palisades home in the 2025 wildfires.<\/p>\n

\"Kyle <\/p>\n

Kyle Kuzma of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against the Atlanta Hawks at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., on March 8, 2023. (G Fiume\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\"Spencer <\/p>\n

Spencer Pratt is running for mayor of Los Angeles on the Republican ticket. (Gilbert Flores \/ Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Frustrated with city leadership and emergency response failures, Pratt entered the race determined to unseat incumbent Mayor Karen Bass<\/a>.<\/p>\n

WATCH: LEFT-WING LA MAYOR FACES REALITY TV CHALLENGER\u2019S BLUNT TAKEDOWNS IN HEATED MAYORAL DEBATE<\/a><\/p>\n

Pratt has continued to gain traction by tapping into voter frustration over crime, city spending and Los Angeles\u2019 ongoing homelessness crisis<\/a>. But rather than fading as a novelty candidate, Pratt has continued drawing attention with his unique campaign style and repeated criticism of City Hall.<\/p>\n

\"Hotels <\/p>\n

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said “it depends” when asked whether noncitizens should be allowed to vote in local elections. (Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Pratt has routinely targeted Bass, mockingly referring to her as “Karen Basura” while criticizing what he describes as failed progressive policies that have contributed to the city\u2019s decline.<\/p>\n

While attending the Ronda Rousey-Gina Carano event at the Intuit Dome<\/a>, Pratt spoke with OutKick about his campaign and reform plans.<\/p>\n

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP<\/a><\/p>\n

“I\u2019m going to make LA safe,” Pratt said.<\/p>\n

\"Spencer <\/p>\n

Spencer Pratt launched his mayoral campaign in January after being dissatisfied with incumbent Mayor Karen Bass. (Etienne Laurent)<\/p>\n

Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com<\/a> \/ Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Alejandro Avila is a longtime writer at OutKick, living in Southern California.\u00a0<\/p>\n