Larry Nance Jr.
Dec 2, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Lakers forward Larry Nance Jr. (7) shoots as Toronto Raptors centre Lucas Nogueira (92) guards him at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Lakers 113-80. USA TODAY Sports / Tom Szczerbowski

Los Angeles Lakers forward Larry Nance Jr. is out indefinitely after an MRI exam on Wednesday revealed the high-flying dunker has suffered a bone bruise on his left knee, per reports.

The Purple & Gold has had to deal with a plethora of injuries this season -- with D'Angelo Russell and Nick Young already missing 13 and 7 games respectively. Nance, too, missed three games earlier this month due to a right knee contusion.

On Tuesday, during the Lakers' 117-113 road defeat to the Charlotte Hornets, Nance had to be carted off the arena with the help of crutches after he suffered an injury while chasing a loose ball. Even though television cameras showed that Nance didn't hyperextend his knee or land in an awkward spot, he struggled to place any weight on his left leg and grimmaced in pain before being helped off the court.

Larry Nance Jr. wll be missed by the Lakers

The son of former Cleveland Cavaliers star Larry Nance, the young Lakers forward has made rapid strides in his second season -- becoming the go-to man for coach Luke Walton during smaller lineups in the fourth quarter.

“Larry gives us a lot of versatility. He’s probably our most intelligent player as far as reading defences and being able to cover for people. With him able to shoot, and roll to the rim, and get extra possessions for us, however long he’s out is going to be a huge loss for us," coach Luke Walton said Wednesday, via the Los Angeles Times, after the MRI report ruled out Nance indefinitely.

Even though the initial MRI only revealed a bruised bone, Nance has a huge swelling on his left knee and could have suffered an ACL injury, according to several reports. The 23-year-old will be re-evaluated on Sunday after the Lakers return from their road trip. Nance will be examined by Dr. David McAllister of UCLA Health, who is the team's official physician.

Larry Nance Jr. is averaging 7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game this season but his contributions don't always reflect on the stat sheet.

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