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Former Ute Kyle Kuzma out of World Cup with ankle injury; Team USA roster set

In this Feb. 7, 2019 photo, Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma (0) drives against Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving during an NBA basketball game in Boston. Kuzma is wearing Nike's latest performance basketball shoes, which from concept to reality, took about three years to put together. Or 30 years, depending on how you count. The Nike Adapt BB _ a self-lacing smart shoe that can be controlled by a smartphone _ gets released to the public on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019, a date that just happens to coincide with the NBA All-Star Game in Charlotte. It has a motor embedded within the shoe, and a hefty $350 price tag. It has a motor embedded within the shoe, and a hefty $350 price tag. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

By The Associated Press
  | Aug. 24, 2019, 7:53 p.m.

Melbourne, Australia • USA Basketball said Saturday that Kyle Kuzma of the Los Angeles Lakers has a left ankle injury that will keep him from playing in the FIBA World Cup.

Kuzma's absence finalized the U.S. roster for the tournament, which starts Aug. 31 in China. The Americans had 13 players and needed to get down to 12 for the World Cup.

Kuzma was initially ruled out of USA Basketball's 98-94 exhibition loss at Australia on Saturday with left ankle soreness.

Kuzma told team officials Saturday morning that the ankle was sore, and it was decided to hold him out for precautionary reasons. Kuzma had 12 points in the Americans' 102-86 win over Australia on Thursday, going 4 of 5 from 3-point range.

But after the game, the team said it was determined that Kuzma's injury would keep him from playing.

The final U.S. roster:

Guards — Joe Harris (Brooklyn), Donovan Mitchell (Utah), Marcus Smart (Boston), Kemba Walker (Boston) and Derrick White (San Antonio).

Forwards — Harrison Barnes (Sacramento), Jaylen Brown (Boston), Khris Middleton (Milwaukee), Jayson Tatum (Boston).

Centers — Brook Lopez (Milwaukee), Mason Plumlee (Denver), Myles Turner (Indiana).

By The Associated Press