MINNEAPOLIS — He readied himself in front of his locker, eating a quick dinner, pulling on his sneakers. On Saturday night, Kyle Kuzma prepared for his fourth straight start while Brandon Ingram served the final game of his suspension. Two nights later, Ingram would be back in the lineup and the Lakers roster would be whole again. Kuzma knew that could mean a return to the bench.



It’s a process he had grown familiar with in his year-plus as a pro.



“I’ve never been a full-time starter,” Kuzma said. “I’ve always been starting when somebody’s injured or suspended. It’s never been like, ‘Kuz you’re the clear-cut guy.’ ”



As a rookie, Kuzma started 37 games, but it was always temporary. He started when Larry Nance Jr. broke his hand, when Brook Lopez sprained his ankle and when Brandon Ingram hurt his hip. Each time the window opened, and then it would close.



Coaches like to...