The LA Lakers have issued a crucial injury update on their newest point guard, D’Angelo Russell, ahead of the matchup against the Grizzlies.
Undoubtedly, the Lakers are in a tight spot this season. The inconsistency throughout this year has cost them a place in the playoffs. Though they are not out of the contest yet, their chances look bleak. Moreover, with piling injuries, the odds have taken a further hit. They have as many as three players from the regular lineup sitting on the bench due to their respective injuries.
The most crucial one remains LeBron James. The leading point scorer of the NBA has done everything in his power to uplift the Lakers. However, due to a lack of team effort, all his numbers have washed down the drain. To add to the misery, he dealt with a right foot tendon injury which ruled him out for three weeks. Further, Mo Bamba injured his ankle in the last game and left midway. With two key players out, will an injury-ridden D’Angelo Russell step up to rescue?
Lakers D’Angelo Russell Listed As Questionable For Next Game Against Grizzlies
The Los Angeles Lakers reunited with point guard D’Angelo Russell during this season’s trade window. The team acquired Russell, along with Jarred Vanderbilt and Malik Beasley from Minnesota Timberwolves, in exchange for Russell Westbrook and two first-round picks. The point guard successfully gelled in the lineup in his very first game. However, the reunion did not last long, as Russell went down with an injury in the very next game. Further, Russell went on miss five games straight despite normal medical reports.
Meanwhile, the Lakers have shared the latest injury updates of the players ahead of the game against the Grizzlies. While LeBron James and Mo Bamba are listed as out, D’Angelo Russell got an upgrade as he was listed as questionable. During his whole timeline of the injury, he remained out, and hence being listed as questionable is a significant upgrade. However, that certainly does not guarantee his return, as he is most likely to skip the next game. According to a Lakers Daily reporter, Russell is still feeling pain in his ankle, and the Lakers plan to field Russell back on the court only when he is pain-free.
Mo Bamba Ruled Out Following An Ankle Injury
Looks like the Lakers’ injury misery is unlikely to end anytime soon. Just when the team finally came together to make one final playoff push, injuries hit the camp once again. The first prey was D’Angelo Russell, who suffered from a sprained ankle. Further, the big guy, LeBron James, injured his right foot and went out for three weeks. Meanwhile, the Lakers’ newest addition, Mo Bamba, is the latest victim.
Bamba’s stay on the court against the State Warriors lasted only two minutes as he left the game mid-way due to ankle issues. Later, the early assessments revealed that he had severely sprained his ankle and could not resume the game. Further, ahead of the game against the Grizzlies, Bamba has been officially ruled out, and it remains to be seen how many games he will miss from here on. Meanwhile, Grizzlies’ star player Ja Morant will miss the game as he has been suspended indefinitely following a gun show-off controversy.