ORLANDO, Fla. — Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma will not play Wednesday against the Orlando Magic because of a sprained left ankle, the team announced.
The three-year veteran injured the ankle nearly two weeks ago against the Washington Wizards but had continued to play on it through soreness and discomfort, the team said.
The Lakers medical staff stepped in to hold him out against the Magic as the Lakers begin a five-game road trip, hoping the ankle can become fully healed before Kuzma plays more games. His status is considered day to day moving forward.
It’s been a difficult season thus far for Kuzma, dubbed the third member of the Lakers’ big three alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, after the team was able to hold onto him during negotiations for their blockbuster deal with New Orleans in the offseason.
A string of injuries, starting with a stress reaction in his left ankle suffered during USA Basketball training camp in the summertime — the same ankle that is currently injured — has slowed his progress as a young star on the rise.
Through 20 games Kuzma is averaging 11.1 points on 43.3 percent shooting while playing 23.1 minutes a night. Last season he averaged 18.7 points on 45.6 percent shooting while playing a bigger role on a lesser team, playing 33.1 minutes per game.
He has repeatedly spoken to the media in recent weeks about his patience being tested this season. A team source told ESPN that Kuzma has experienced more upheaval in his role than the team anticipated because Davis is playing less minutes at the 5 because JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard have filled that role so well. When Davis plays the 4, it pushes Kuzma out of the ideal stretch role he provides (he has lifted his 3-point percentage from 30.3% a year ago to 36% this season) and challenges him to make the most out of playing out of position.
While Kuzma will miss the Magic game, the team anticipates the return of Avery Bradley who missed the last 13 games with a stress reaction in his right leg. He is officially listed as probable.
Rajon Rondo, who sat on Sunday’s win over Minnesota with tightness in his left hamstring, is listed as questionable.