The injuries to the Los Angeles Lakers just keep on coming. Luke Walton’s team, already down Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart, also lost Isaiah Thomas for the remainder of their road trip, leaving them down to eight healthy bodies for Saturday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies.
The lack of depth did not prevent the Lakers from ending their four-game losing streak, however, as they escaped Memphis with a 100-93 comeback victory. Nonetheless, the need for more depth is urgent, and it looks as if help will be on the way.
Walton spoke after the victory Saturday about getting some more bodies in. Both Thomas Bryant and Gary Payton II will join the Lakers from South Bay for Monday’s game against Detroit, and there could even be a move made in free agency, via Spectrum SportsNet:
“There’s a chance Brandon can play. We’re going to have Thomas Bryant, we’re going to have Gary Payton with us from the G League. So we’ll have more bodies. And I know the front office has been looking at some different player options to fill in as well if Brandon’s still not ready.”
Obviously, the hope is that Ingram will be able to suit up against the Pistons as the Lakers could use the person who has arguably been their best player this season. But even if that doesn’t happen, the team will at least have some more options off the bench.
Many fans have been calling for Bryant, the Lakers’ second-round pick from last year’s draft, to get some minutes with the main team. That could happen as Ivica Zubac played just four minutes on Saturday, even with the short bench.
Payton, on a two-way contract, could also see some minutes as he is known for his defense and the Lakers have just three healthy guards right now. It will also be interesting to see if the Lakers sign someone else to a 10-day contract.
The team still has an open roster spot after Derrick Williams was let go after his deal expired, and there is no harm in Walton and the rest of the staff getting a close look at someone else down the stretch.
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