Lakers Injury News: Kyle Kuzma status in the air vs. Thunder

Kuzma’s quad is giving him trouble after he tweaked it again in Minnesota.

The Los Angeles Lakers have hit a brutal patch of games through December as they embark into 2018, with injuries and losses piling up. Lonzo Ball, Brook Lopez and Brandon Ingram have all missed time with various injuries, and Kyle Kuzma is the latest Laker to need some time with the training staff.

Kuzma re-aggravated a right quadriceps contusion he suffered against the Memphis Grizzlies during the Lakers’ loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, and told reporters following the game that he “isn’t sure” about suiting up Wednesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder, according to Lakers sideline reporter Mike Trudell.

The Lakers haven’t won since Dec. 20, pulling off a memorable upset over the Houston Rockets on the back of Kuzma having a career-best night. That victory is their lone win over the last 11 games.

Kuzma’s having a tough stretch over the last four games, averaging 12.8 points on 29.2 percent shooting overall. The Lakers are set to play every-other day for most of January, and it might not be the worst maintenance plan to give Kuzma a night off following the road back-to-back.

Not having Kuzma would be a huge blow for the Lakers’ chances of winning, of course, but it;s a small price to pay to help the Lakers’ budding rookie get his season back on track. Expect to hear a small update during the Lakers’ day off, with a decision likely coming closer to game time on Wednesday.