EL SEGUNDO – With Brandon Ingram dealing with an ankle injury, up-and-coming forward Kyle Kuzma is taking advantage of his role as the second option to LeBron James in the offense for the Los Angeles Lakers. Kuzma, who has never been shy about taking shots or trying to make things happen offensively, has been on a hot streak while filling the scoring load left by Ingram's absence.

On Wednesday, Kuzma spoke to the media after practice and talked about his impressive play since Ingram went down. Kuzma attributes the solid play to his work ethic.

“Just staying consistent in my work ethic,” Kuzma said. “Just having more opportunity now. B.I. has been out. It's really kind of help me find my ways a little bit. Have the ball a little more in my hands. Make plays.”

The Lakers have seemingly found their groove as of late with the team winning six out of the last seven games. Kuzma's solid play alongside LeBron has helped keep Los Angeles on a roll as well as taking the pressure off James.

Kuzma has been the leading scorer for the Lakers in three of the team's last six wins. Not only has the second-year forward started to become the team's second-best scoring option, but he's doing a lot more than scoring. He's improved defensively as well as being a force on the glass and become more of a playmaker on the floor.

In the last 10 games, Kuzma has averaged 20.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. He'll look to keep it rolling with Ingram on the shelf as the Lakers head on a four-game road trip starting with the Houston Rockets on Thursday. Los Angeles will face three straight Eastern Conference opponents following the matchup with the Rockets with games against the Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards, and Brooklyn Nets before heading back to the Staples Center to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Dec. 21.