The last thing the Los Angeles Lakers need is another injury to another key player. However, Lakers fans are now holding their breath after budding star Kyle Kuzma exited their game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Kuzma went to the locker room due to a back issue and is done for the night. Before leaving the game, the 23-year-old forward tallied four points and three steals in 16 minutes.
The second-year forward has been playing well for the Lakers. In their 121-114 win over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday, Kuzma posted 18 points on top of nine rebounds and six assists. Before that game, the former Utah Utes standout scored 33 and 24 points against the Kings and Los Angeles Clippers, respectively.
The 27th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft has been producing big numbers for the Lakers this season, benefiting from the arrival of LeBron James. He is the team's second-leading scorer with 18.7 points per game. He is also averaging 5.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists this season.
It remains to be seen how serious the back issue is. It is worth noting that Kuzma has yet to miss a game this season. During his rookie year, the Michigan native played in all but five games for the Lakers, including 37 starts.
If Kuzma misses time, he will join James and Rajon Rondo on the sidelines. James remains out due to a groin injury, while Rajon Rondo recently underwent hand surgery. James has been listed as day-to-day since he sustained the injury during the Christmas Day showdown with the Golden State Warriors.
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