The Los Angeles Lakers returned home from a brief three-game east coast road trip with arguably their toughest game at Staples Center to date against the Portland Trail Blazers. Early on, the Blazers are second in the Western Conference and would provide a stiff test for the young Lakers.
As could be expected, the Lakers looked flat to start the game, but got into a better flow toward the end of the first quarter. A catalyst for the bench, point guard Jordan Farmar checked into the game at the 5:30 mark, but after just a minute, had to leave with a hamstring injury. Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters updated his condition shortly thereafter:
Jordan Farmar’s left hamstring strain has been labeled “moderate” but he will not return tonight.
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) December 2, 2013
The strain is being described as moderate and with three days off before their next game against Sacramento Kings, the Lakers are clearly being cautious with their backup point guard. Without Steve Nash, the Lakers have two healthy guards in Steve Blake and Jodie Meeks as they look to pick up another solid win on their home floor.
Winters also reported that she saw Farmar rolling his hamstring pre-game, which indicates that he might’ve been tight to start the night. In his first year back with the Lakers since 2010, the UCLA product is averaging 9.7 points and 4.6 assists and is the leader of the NBA’s best bench.
Check back after the game for more updates on Farmar’s condition.
——————————————————————-
VIDEO: Mike D’Antoni On Losing Jordan Farmar To Injury In The First Quarter