The Los Angeles Lakers are on track to get their starting point guard back in the lineup on Tuesday night against the Denver Nuggets. D’Angelo Russell has been dealing with multiple injuries suffered in the team’s last win and after missing three games appears to be on pace to return.
According to Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters, Russell has been cleared to play tomorrow and if he feels ready he’ll play:
D'Angelo Russell has been cleared to play & practiced in full today but D'Angelo says whether he plays will depend on how he feels tomorrow pic.twitter.com/weCVOSMuFx
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) January 30, 2017
The Lakers have lost all three games since losing Russell to a bone bruise, MCL sprain, and calf strain which he suffered in the win over the Indiana Pacers. Los Angeles fell to the Dallas Mavericks, Portland Trail Blazers, and Utah Jazz in consecutive games on the road and will hope for a boost with Russell’s potential return on Tuesday at the Staples Center.
Lakers head coach Luke Walton also talked about Russell’s status after the team’s practice today. Walton said the following about Russell possibly playing against the Nuggets at home tomorrow, via Winters:
Luke Walton said he was ‘fairly confident’ D’Angelo Russell will play tomorrow vs. Nuggets. Luke said DLo’s knee was a little sore today.
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) January 30, 2017
The Lakers will hope to end their three-game skid on Tuesday and should have a better chance of doing so against the Nuggets with Russell in the backcourt. If Russell can’t go, Walton may turn to veteran Jose Calderon who has started at the point guard position the last two games.
