The Los Angeles Lakers have had more than their fair share of injuries this season, with recurring knee problems for second-year guard D’Angelo Russell being a major factor. Russell received Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment recently in order to speed the healing process, but he sat out against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night in order to rest.
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Unfortunately, that rest period will extend to Tuesday’s game against the Charlotte Hornets, according to Tania Ganguli of the Los Angeles Times:
Lakers injury report lists D'Angelo Russell as out for Tuesday's game due to "rest." He also rested last night.
— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) December 18, 2016
Against the Cavaliers, Lakers coach Luke Walton opted to use rookie Brandon Ingram to fill in for Russell at point guard, and given Ingram’s success in the role (9 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists) we can assume that Walton will again put the ball in the hands of the Duke product.
For Russell, who has already missed 13 games this season due to issues with his troublesome knee, this recurrence has to raise some red flags. The Lakers have listed him out for “rest” purposes, and will rightly take a cautious approach with their young guard, but these absences are troubling nonetheless.
Heading into the season, Russell appeared to be tabbed as the player most likely to fill the leadership void that was created by the retirement of Kobe Bryant. Additionally, it was thought that the offense would be Russell’s to run this season, and when he has played that has indeed been the case.
Unfortunately, knee problems have taken away from what many thought would be a breakout season. On Tuesday, he would have had a fun matchup going against Hornets standout Kemba Walker. For now, all fans can do is hope that these “rest” days are just that and that there isn’t something more serious going on in Russell’s knee.
***Update: Tania Ganguli is now reporting that the injury report was a review of Sunday night’s game against the Cavaliers, and didn’t necessarily mean that Russell has been ruled out against the Hornets:
Lakers say the injury report on their Charlotte game notes is not for the game. Just a review of last night. Russell hasn't been ruled out.
— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) December 18, 2016
Hopefully, Russell is indeed able to play, but we will have to wait for further updates.