The Los Angeles Lakers have been ravaged in recent weeks thanks to injuries and that trend continued over the weekend. Larry Nance Jr. suffered right knee contusion in Friday’s game against the Toronto Raptors and Jose Calderon strained his hamstring in Saturday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies.
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The Lakers don’t get much time for these players to get healthy as they are set to return home after four games in five nights on the road to face the Utah Jazz on Monday. According to Mark Medina of the LA Daily News, Calderon will not suit up for that game while Nance is questionable:
Lakers rule Jose Calderon out for tomorrow vs Utah (right hamstring strain). Larry Nance Jr listed as questionable (right knee contusion)
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) December 4, 2016
Medina also noted that both D’Angelo Russell and Nick Young remain out for the time being, though both of those were expected:
Meanwhile, Russell (left knee) & Young (right leg) will still be out.
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) December 4, 2016
The loss of Calderon puts the Lakers in a serious bind with their backcourt as that will leave them without three guards. The team has already moved rookie Brandon Ingram over to the shooting guard position as a starter, but now will need to change rotations even further.
Against the Grizzlies, Jordan Clarkson started the second half in place of Calderon, but Walton could also choose to go with Lou Williams or Marcelo Huertas in the starting lineup as both had great games in Memphis.
The loss of Nance is also extremely important as he is a key member of the bench unit that has had so much success this season. Thomas Robinson saw minutes in his place on Saturday, but Walton would love to see Nance able to suit up.
If he can’t, Robinson will continue to see minutes and Luol Deng will likely play more power forward as well. With the team returning home, the Lakers could also choose to recall Ivica Zubac from the Los Angeles D-Fenders for some extra depth.
