Kyle Kuzma downplays reports of needing to miss start of camp

While reports persist that the Los Angeles Lakers will be without third year forward Kyle Kuzma, he is trying to downplay what is being reported as a “stress” injury that initially forced him from participation with Team USA in the FIBA World Cup.

Kuzma seemed to allude to reports about his status earlier in the day.

Internet know more about me than I do myself apparently lol

— kuz (@kylekuzma) September 24, 2019

However, Marc Stein of the New York Times followed up his reports about Kuzma’s availability later on in the day. According to him, the Lakers are expected to release a statement on Kuzma’s availability later this week.

More on our AM story: The Lakers indeed expect Kyle Kuzma to miss the start of training camp as he continues to recover from a stress injury in his lower left leg, league sources say. The team will issue a formal update this week, with Kuzma's rehab said to be progressing well

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) September 24, 2019

Kuzma will still likely be a part of the Lakers media day on Friday. The Lakers definitely expect a lot from Kuzma after refusing to put him on the table during the Anthony Davis talks. With the Lakers making a trip to China in the preseason, they also are likely trying to make sure that Kuzma is as healthy as possible before they head overseas.