For the most part, the Los Angeles Lakers have avoided the injury bug that has plagued them the last few years this season. The one recent casualty, however, is guard Jordan Clarkson.
Clarkson had an excellent start to the season and had been the team’s most consistent player this season before missing the last two games with a sprained ankle.
It looks as if he’s ready for a return, however, as Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times reports that Clarkson is expected to return for Tuesday’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks:
Jordan Clarkson is expected to play Tuesday night against Milwaukee, Lakers Coach Byron Scott said. JC practiced Monday.
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) December 14, 2015
With Clarkson returning, Turner also reports that D’Angelo Russell will return to the bench despite playing well these last four games:
BScott said D'Angelo Russell will come off the bench again now that Clarkson is back and ready to play.
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) December 14, 2015
Russell has played extremely well recently, having his two best games of the season against the Timberwolves and Spurs last week. Many hoped that Russell’s play would result in him remaining with the starters, but Byron Scott is sticking with his lineup change.
The most important thing is that Clarkson is returning as he has grown over the off-season and is enjoying an excellent year. He is second on the Lakers in scoring while shooting an outstanding 47 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range.