Los Angeles Lakers small forward Kyle Kuzma has been cleared for non-contact practice, according to head coach Frank Vogel.

Kuzma continues to recover from a stress injury in his lower left leg.

Last season for the Lakers, Kuzma averaged 18.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists while shooting 45.6 percent from the field, 30.3 percent from beyond the arc and 75.2 percent from the free-throw line. He could join LeBron James, Danny Green, Anthony Davis and JaVale McGee in LA’s starting lineup for the upcoming season.

The Lakers really value Kuzma. After all, he was the only youngster from last year’s team to not get traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in the Anthony Davis deal. Kuzma’s pals Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart and Brandon Ingram were sent to New Orleans for Davis.

Playing next to James and Davis, Kuzma is going to get a lot of wide-open looks from the 3-point line since LeBron and AD command so much attention when they have the ball and are driving to the basket. The Lakers would like to see Kuzma become a more efficient three-point shooter in 2019-20.

It looks like the Lakers are airing on the side of caution with Kuzma. Because there are 82 games in the regular season, Los Angeles wants to make sure Kuzma is fresh and healthy for the long-haul.