Kyle Kuzma had a subpar outing for the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, as his team lost 120-105 to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Staples Center. Following the defeat, Kuzma admitted that he has been suffering from a lingering hip injury, which has had an adverse affect on his recent play.

The Lakers took on the Houston Rockets on Saturday, which means that this is already the third game Kuzma has been bothered by his hip. The injury, however, did not appear to have much of an effect on him in the previous two games, wherein he scored 32 points (vs. the Rockets) and 16 points (vs. the Golden State Warriors on Monday) in back-to-back games.

Thursday night was a different story, though, as the 23-year-old managed only 10 points on 4-of-12 shooting. Kuzma also went 0-of-4 from deep, but was able to chip in four rebounds and four assists in a losing effort.

Article Continues Below
Related News
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick reacts to his team losing the lead to the Minnesota Timberwolves late in the fourth quarter during game four of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
Lakers’ JJ Redick link up with Les Snead at Rams campMiguel La Torre ·
image thumbnail
Sources: Lakers split on trading core playersAnthony Irwin ·
Lakers' Rob Pelinka with a Lakers logo in the middle Mavs Center Daniel Gafford on one side, Nets center Nic Claxton on the other. Question marks around them.
Sources: ‘Extremely active’ Lakers looking to add multiple bigs on trade marketAnthony Irwin ·
Cleveland Cavaliers center Shaquille O'Neal (33) being defended by Chicago Bulls center Brad Miller (52) during the second quarter in game four of the first round of the 2010 NBA playoffs at the United Center.
Former Laker Shaq, Brad Miller recreate brawl photo 23 years laterZachary Howell ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) talks with his coach during a stoppage in play against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second quarter during game four of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
Lakers rumors: LeBron James’ ‘likely’ $52.6 million contract decisionPreston Byers ·
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) reacts in the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at the Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers guard Austin Reaves’ agent fires shot at fans’ trade proposalsJoey Mistretta ·

Lakers head coach Luke Walton echoed Kuzma's statement, saying that in his mind, his young star did not look a hundred percent healthy on the evening.

Kuzma's hip issue is only the latest in the slew of injuries that have crippled the Lakers or late. The team are still without LeBron James (groin), and they just recently lost sophomore guard Lonzo Ball for 4-6 weeks due to a sprained ankle.

Unfortunately for the Lakers — who have currently lost three straight — such is the life in the NBA. They cannot use injuries as an excuse, and the team will just have to suck it up and keep on playing hard if they hope to keep the Playoff hopes alive.