Lakers exercise fourth-year contract option on Kyle Kuzma

Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma (0) collides with Oklahoma City Thunder guard Dennis Schroeder (17) as he goes to the basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Oklahoma City, Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019. Thunder guard Hamidou Diallo (6) is at right. (Sue Ogrocki/AP)

Associated Press October 17, 2019, 5:14 PM

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Los Angeles Lakers have exercised their contract option on forward Kyle Kuzma for the 2020-21 season.

The Lakers made the move Thursday on Kuzma, who is currently out with a foot injury suffered while playing for USA Basketball during the summer.

Kuzma was the 27th overall pick in the 2017 draft out of Utah. He has become a solid NBA scorer, putting up 18.7 points and 5.5 rebounds last season while starting 68 games for the Lakers.

Kuzma will make over $3.56 million next season in the fourth-year option of his rookie contract. He is making $1.97 million this season.

The Lakers expect Kuzma to return to action soon. He has been cleared for noncontact basketball activities.

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