The Los Angeles Lakers have been without their starting backcourt of D’Angelo Russell and Nick Young for the better part of two weeks now, but it looks like that won’t be the case for much longer.
Both players have already begun practicing again with Young reportedly looking to return for Monday’s game agains the Sacramento Kings. Russell, however, could potentially be back a little sooner.
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According to Lakers Nation reporter Serena Winters, head coach Luke Walton says there is a chance that Russell could return for tomorrow’s game against the New York Knicks:
Luke Walton says it's possible D'Angelo Russell plays tomorrow, it depends how his body reacts after today's contact practice.
— Serena Winters (@SerenaWinters) December 10, 2016
Russell has always said that he wanted to make sure he was 100 percent before returning. The worst thing that could happen is Russell rushing back too soon and re-aggravating the injury which would cause him to be out even longer. When he returned to practice earlier this week Russell said he felt great and just needed to knock the rust off. Perhaps that has already happened.
The Lakers are certainly looking forward to Russell, and Young’s, return. Walton has had to experiment with a number of different lineups and rotations due to all of the injuries. Having Russell and Young’s energy, playmaking, and scoring could be just what the team needs to get out of their slump.
At the time of his injury Russell led the Lakers in scoring and assists. He has since been passed for the scoring lead by Lou Williams, but that is beside the point as the Lakers could use a boost in the starting lineup.
Russell is averaging 16.1 points and 4.8 assists so far this season.