Lakers Practice Report: Gasol And Kaman Are Game-Time Decisions

Dan Duangdao
2 Min Read
Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

After a last-second loss to the Utah Jazz on Friday, the Los Angeles Lakers returned to practice this morning. With four straight losses, the Lakers open a crucial four-game home stand against the Philadelphia 76ers. While the Lakers are only 3.5 games out of the final spot in the Western Conference, they will need to capitalize against these four opponents (Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, Utah Jazz, and Denver Nuggets) that have a combined record of 37-80.

In the loss to the Jazz, Pau Gasol did not play due to an upper respiratory infection while Chris Kaman suffered a left ankle sprain. Both will be game-time decisions against the 76ers on Sunday according to head coach Mike D’Antoni:

Although the swelling on Kaman’s ankle isn’t too bad, Jordan Hill and/or Robert Sacre will get the start if both players aren’t able to go:

While they have struggled with injuries, D’Antoni feels the Lakers are ready to turn the corner and starting winning games again:

For the second consecutive season, the Lakers have been marred with injuries. While the Lakers were embarrassed by an average of 23 points against the Suns and Warriors, they have looked much better with the return of Jordan Farmar. Although there’s still more than half a season left, this is the Lakers’ most important stretch if they want to remain in playoff contention.

———————————————————–
Lakers Practice: Ryan Kelly On Guarding Lebron James For The First Time

Follow:
Dan Duangdao was the managing editor at Lakers Nation (2013-16, 2018-20). He is currently the founder at LA Sports Media, Lake Show, Raiders Nation, Rams Nation, Kings Nation, Galaxy Nation, and MMA Rumors. Born and raised in Southern California and a lifelong Los Angeles sports and mixed martial arts fan, his first NBA game was Kobe Bryant and the Lakers against the Golden State Warriors with Michael Jordan in attendance during the 1998-99 NBA season. He was previously a contributor at HOOPSWORLD (now Basketball Insiders) and an NBA editor at ClutchPoints. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @DanDuangdao.