Reports: Kuzma's MRI reveals no structural damage to right ankle; he won't play vs. Nuggets
An MRI on Kyle Kuzma’s sprained right ankle Tuesday revealed no structural damage, but the Lakers forward could miss up to a week, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
That means Kuzma is definitely out for Wednesday’s home game against the Denver Nuggets (8 ET, ESPN) because of the sprain he suffered in Monday’s loss to the LA Clippers.
MRI on Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma’s right ankle returned clean and he will be day-to-day toward a return to action, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 6, 2019
Kyle Kuzma's MRI confirmed a minor right ankle sprain. He could miss up to a week, the Lakers say. He's been ruled out for Wednesday's game.
— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) March 6, 2019
Aside from being without Kuzma, the Lakers have also listed Brandon Ingram (shoulder soreness), Tyson Chandler (neck stiffness) and Lance Stephenson (toe sprain) as questionable vs. Denver as well.
Brandon Ingram (shoulder soreness), Tyson Chandler (neck stiffness) and Lance Stephenson (toe sprain) are all QUESTIONABLE against the Nuggets.
— Kyle Goon (@kylegoon) March 5, 2019
Kuzma scored 13 points against the Clippers before limping off the floor with 6:04 to play. After the game, coach Luke Walton said he ”would be surprised” if Kuzma’s injury doesn’t force him to miss the Lakers’ next game.
Kuzma is the Lakers’ No. 2 scorer, averaging 18.8 points per game as well as 5.6 rebounds per game and 2.5 assists per game.
The 113-105 loss to the crosstown LA Clippers dropped the Lakers to 30-34, putting them 5 1/2 games behind the No. 8-seeded San Antonio Spurs. Overall, the Lakers have gone 3-9 since LeBron James returned to the lineup on Jan. 31.
Given the long odds of the Lakers making the playoffs, there is no need to rush Kuzma back into the lineup.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
