Nuggets' Michael Porter Jr. (lumbar management) out vs. Lakers

Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr.was ruled out for Wednesday night's 110-99 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

The team did not specify an injury, but sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski that Denver was holding Porter out because of lumbar management.

There is optimism he could be back for Friday's game against the Utah Jazz, sources said.

A back injury limited Porter to nine games in 2021-22, and he underwent lumbar spine surgery last November, his third back procedure since November 2017.

He is averaging 18 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists, shooting 50% from 3-point range, through four games for the 2-2 Nuggets.