:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59061131/903159656.jpg.0.jpg)
Ahead of their matchup with the Miami Heat on Friday, the Los Angeles Lakers announced that rookie forward Kyle Kuzma is available to play.
Update: Kyle Kuzma (ankle) is available to play tonight. Meanwhile, Brook Lopez experienced some back tightness today but is probable to play.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) March 17, 2018
Kuzma missed Wednesday’s game against the Golden State Warriors with a sprained ankle. Head coach Luke Walton has not said whether or not Kuzma will play on a minutes restriction, but I’d imagine he doesn’t play more than 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, Brandon Ingram will sit out his eighth consecutive game with a groin strain. Ingram last suited up for Los Angeles against the Heat in Miami at the beginning of March, where he collided with Heat forward Justise Winslow, injuring his groin.
Having Kuzma back will aid the Lakers’ woes on the wing, but that’s assuming he js 100 percent. The sooner both Ingram and Kuzma are back, the better for the Lakers, who are just six games back from being a .500 basketball club midway through March.