After missing two of three games due to a sore left knee, D’Angelo Russell received platelet-rich plasma injections and will be reevaluated in two-to-three weeks. Luke Walton had shown concerns earlier in the week about Russell’s knee, but there was still hope that the second-year guard would be able to return rather quickly.
Unfortunately, the Lakers will now be without arguably their best playmaker during their hardest stretch of games to date. The Lakers were already blown out by the Warriors on Wednesday, and their next eight games are against the Warriors, Hawks, Pelicans, Bulls, Raptors, Grizzlies, Jazz, and Rockets. All eight of those teams are currently playing excellent basketball and feature top quality point guards.
In his absence, the Lakers will need to rely on the playmaking of Lou Williams, Jose Calderon, and Jordan Clarkson in the backcourt. Brandon Ingram had his best game of the season against the Warriors and figures to see an increased role with the ball in his hands while Russell is out.
Lakers Nation News
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Lakers News
Lakers rookie Brandon Ingram acquits himself well in first NBA start – LA Times
Lakers get chance to avenge 43-point loss to Warrirors (Nov 24, 2016) – Fox Sports
Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook can relate to Lakers’ growth through young core – OC Register
Thursday’s Lakers News: Short-handed roster can’t compete with Warriors – ESPN
Luke, a T-Rex, and no Kobe: 5 things to know about the fun — and good! — Lakers – CBS Sports
NBA News
Kings in tough situation with Cousins – NBA.com
By the numbers: Warriors, Cavaliers headline a ridiculous night of stats in the NBA – CBS Sports
Inside The NBA’s Next Big Three-Point Renaissance – Sports Illustrated
A look at the NBA’s best lineups after first month of season – USA Today
