With LeBron James and Anthony Davis putting on a show at the start of the season, it is easy to forget that Los Angeles Lakers are still missing an important piece in Kyle Kuzma. However, that could soon change as Kuzma has recently had his first practice with the team.
Kuzma suffered an ankle injury during Team USA’s training camp ahead of FIBA World Cup and was undergoing a strict rehabbing process ever since. He had his first full practice of the season with Lakers G Affiliate South Bay Lakers on Wednesday, before joining the first team on Thursday.
“Yesterday was kind of the most running I’ve done, so to wake up and not really have too much discomfort was a good sign,” said Kuzma after the practice. “Getting out here and doing the same thing, and so hopefully it’s the same for tomorrow’s game.”
Kuzma is expected to make his NBA debut in the following days barring any setbacks. However, according to head coach Frank Vogel, he will be subject to minute restrictions.
“[The training staff is] saying around 20 minutes,” said Vogel of Kuzma’s playing time. “So there’ll be a little bit of a restriction there.”
Kyle Kuzma is expected to be an important part of Lakers’ squad this season, with some expecting him to develop into the team’s third star behind James and Davis. Kuzma played 70 games last season, averaging 18.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists.
