The Los Angeles Lakers announced preliminary results on Brandon Ingram for a concussion test came back negative, but he was diagnosed with a neck muscle contusion. Ingram, who did not speak with reporters following the loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, will be re-evaluated Saturday.
He was removed for the night after playing two minutes into the overtime period. Ingram appeared to suffer the injury on a foul in the fourth quarter, and he remained on the floor for a few beats before rising to his feet.
Still playing on a minutes restriction, Ingram finished with 12 points, three rebounds and six assists in 27 minutes. Friday’s game was just his second since missing nearly one month due to a groin strain.
His absence robbed the Lakers of a playmaker and required Kyle Kuzma to play out of position. Los Angeles went 5-7 without the sophomore forward.
The Lakers next play Sunday and have a road-home back-to-back looming, beginning Tuesday. If Ingram is to miss any time it would potentially rob the Lakers of two expected starters.
Lonzo Ball did not play in the loss to the Bucks because of a left knee contusion suffered Wednesday. Lakers head coach Luke Walton didn’t have any projection on when the rookie point guard would potentially return from his latest injury.
At minimum, the Lakers figure to have Josh Hart for their seven remaining games. He came back Friday night after being sidelined four weeks while recovering from a fracture in his left hand.
