Tuesday On TNT: Lakers vs. Clippers (10:30 ET)
The Los Angeles Lakers will start the 2019-20 regular season without forward Kyle Kuzma, the team confirmed on Sunday.
Coach Frank Vogel said Kuzma will miss the game against the LA Clippers as he continues to recover from a stress reaction in his left foot. Kuzma suffered the injury during USA Basketball training camp in August.
🎥 Frank Vogel gives an injury update on Kyle Kuzma and talks about when he'll decide on Opening Night starters. pic.twitter.com/bZGqFZ6S5A
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 20, 2019
Kuzma, who returned to the court last week, is optimistic about his recovery.
“I haven’t really been doing too much, really, for the last two months,” Kuzma said on Friday. “So just being able to shoot jump shots and being around the team a little bit more, it’s optimistic, for sure.”
With Kuzma sidelined, the Lakers will have to experiment with their starting lineup. Coach Vogel said on Sunday the team won’t finalize their starting unit until Tuesday.
“The main thing is just making sure I’m healthy,” Kuzma said. “It’s a long season, so [missing opening night] won’t affect me mentally or anything.”
Kuzma averaged 18.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists over 70 games with L.A. last season.
🎥 LeBron James discusses his relationship with Coach Vogel, and his excitement for Opening Night. pic.twitter.com/pPWlGfSUcz
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 20, 2019
