Injuries have doomed the Los Angeles Lakers all season as nearly every player of note has missed time this season and most have been ruled out for the remainder of the season.
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Rookie Jordan Clarkson had seemed to avoid the injury bug, but suffered a sprained ankle in Monday’s game against the Sacramento Kings. Because of that, Clarkson will miss the season finale against the Kings according to Shahan Ahmed of NBC Los Angeles:
Wesley Johnson and Jordan Clarkson will not play tonight #Official
— Shahan Ahmed (@shahanLA) April 15, 2015
Clarkson has been one of the few bright spots for the Lakers this season. Since being inserted into the starting lineup, Clarkson has averaged an impressive 15.8 points and five assists on just under 46 percent shooting from the field. He has also taken major strides as a facilitator, working with Steve Nash on numerous occasions.
The additional loss of Wesley Johnson leaves the Lakers with only seven healthy players and just two backcourt players in Jabari Brown and recent 10-day signee Vander Blue. Ryan Kelly will also play major minutes at the small forward position and the team may even have to turn to Jordan Hill to steal some minutes at the three with no other healthy alternatives.
This is just the icing on the cake for yet another season ruined by injuries for the Lakers. It is probably better for Clarkson to sit as there is nothing the Lakers can accomplish by winning and there is no need in Clarkson risking his health for a meaningless season finale.
[divide]Byron Scott Assessing Jordan Clarkson Vs. Rajon Rondo Matchup