Just as Kobe returns to play from a shin injury, two more players may be benched for thursday’s game; Devin Ebanks and Matt Barnes.
This past Sunday over the Thunder, Barnes sustained an ankle injury. According to Dr. Robert Klapper, Barnes has a microscopic tear of a ligament in his ankle, requiring to make him miss visiting his hometown of Sacramento this Thursday. This occurred when Barnes slightly rolled his ankle during the game. Hopefully Matt will be ready to go for the playoffs.
Devin Ebanks’ injury is a little more peculiar. While working out this morning, the Lakers forward dropped a dumbbell on his hand and is wearing a splint. Reports say he bruised the ring and middle fingers.
What is so troubling about all of this, is that Ebanks would have been the replacement for Barnes, and a suspended World Peace, at small forward. Now, with all three of them unable to play Thursday (assuming Ebanks is not cleared), the Lakers are in a world of trouble.
How do we play an effective game without all three small forwards? Christian Eyenga could be brought up from the D-League, who the Lakers acquired with Sessions trade. Kobe will surely be used more as well as the bench players.
I remain optimistic, but Thursday will be a challenge. Lakers need this #3 seed, and won’t get it if we lose in two days.
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Lakers News
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Defending World Peace [Yahoo]
Twitter Reactions to Metta’s Elbow [ESPN]
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NBA: Physical Plays [OC Register]
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At Last, A Real NBA Tournament [ESPN]
No NBA Player Actually Sucks at Basketball [SB Nation]
NBA Playoff Picture [CBS Sports]
