Los Angeles Lakers small forward Kyle Kuzma is currently out with a left ankle sprain.

Kuzma, however, told Dave McMenamin of ESPN his ankle sprain is unrelated to the stress reaction he suffered over the summer.

Kuzma missed the first four games of the season for the Lakers because of that stress reaction. He has appeared in 20 games this season and is averaging 11.1 points and 3.4 rebounds while shooting 43.3 percent from the field, 36.0 percent from beyond the arc and 69.2 percent from the free-throw line.

The Lakers are 22-3 on the season. They have the best record in the Western Conference entering Friday's matchup against Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat in South Beach.

Last season for the Lakers, Kuzma averaged 18.7 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists while shooting 45.6 percent from the floor, 30.3 percent from the 3-point line and 75.2 percent from the charity stripe. LA really values 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.

Because there are so many games left in the regular season, Los Angeles wants to make sure Kuzma is fresh and healthy for the long-haul.