Kyle Kuzma out vs. Warriors, Isaiah Thomas gets starting nod

After injuring his ankle on Tuesday, the Los Angeles Lakers announced rookie forward Kyle Kuzma will sit out Wednesday’s matchup against the Golden State Warriors. Isaiah Thomas will get his first start in the purple and gold as a result.

Per Lakers sideline reporter Mike Trudell, Thomas will start alongside Lonzo Ball and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who is expected to temporarily slide to the small forward position. The formidable frontcourt duo of Julius Randle and Brook Lopez will stand pat.

Head coach Luke Walton also told Trudell that the Lakers’ newest signing, former No. 2 overall pick Derrick Williams, “will likely” see minutes off the bench tonight as a result of Kuzma’s injury. Williams has appeared in one game for Los Angeles, playing only 25 seconds in his first outing.

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The biggest story here, of course, is Thomas getting his first start with the Lakers. I.T. has played strong basketball in his last two games with the Lakers, putting up at least 20 points in the two previous games. His defense is as advertised, but with the Splash Bros. Step Curry and Klay Thompson sidelined for Wednesday night’s matchup, it shouldn’t be as glaring of an issue.

The two sides will tip-off is at 7:30 PST. Check out our game preview here.