The Los Angeles Lakers received some more bad news during Monday’s game, as another key player, center Tarik Black, went down with an injury during their game against the Utah Jazz. Black left the game in the third quarter after rolling his ankle and did not return as he was diagnosed with a sprained right ankle.
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Despite the Lakers having a day off on Tuesday before traveling to Texas to take on the Houston Rockets Wednesday, it appears that is not enough time for Black to rehab.
According to the Lakers Official Twitter account, Black, along with point guard D’Angelo Russell who is dealing with a knee injury, will not travel with the team to Houston meaning he will miss the game:
Tarik Black (ankle sprain) also won't make the one-game trip to Houston. https://t.co/cJ4HtjIFyX
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 6, 2016
Black’s status moving forward after Wednesday’s game remains uncertain, as the Lakers return home for two games before heading out on a grueling seven-game road trip.
The Lakers are currently without three guards in Russell, Nick Young who has a strained calf and Jose Calderon who is dealing with a hamstring issue. Additionally, forward Larry Nance Jr. did not play Monday night despite dressing for the game as he has a knee contusion.
With Black missing the game Wednesday it opens up opportunities for both Thomas Robinson, who’s playing time has already begun increasing lately, and rookie center Ivica Zubac who was recently recalled from the Lakers’ D-League affiliate the Los Angeles D-Fenders.
In 23 games this season Black is averaging 5.9 points and 5.2 rebounds while shooting 50 percent from the field.