The Los Angeles Lakers are playing their last true road game of the season without Brandon Ingram and likely won’t have the services of Lonzo Ball, who is listed as doubtful, as well against the Utah Jazz.
Ingram was ruled out for Tuesday’s matchup and did not travel with the team as he remains in the NBA’s concussion protocol. He appeared to suffer the injury while being fouled in the third quarter of last Friday’s loss to the Milwaukee Brewers.
Ingram didn’t show any signs of a concussion at the time, though did miss three consecutive free throws and was later removed after playing two minutes of the overtime period. Without Ingram, Kyle Kuzma presumably will receive another start at small forward.
As for Ball, he’s missed the past two games because of a left knee contusion. It’s the second time this season the rookie point guard has dealt with a knee injury this season. He also missed time with a shoulder sprain.
Lakers head coach Luke Walton said Sunday that Ball reported improvement in his knee, but the team still was not certain when he would be back in the lineup. Walton did outline a plan that included Ball first participating in 2-on-2 or 3-on-3 games in practice.
Considering the Lakers did not hold a normal practice session Monday before departing for Salt Lake City, and Wednesday is the second of a back-to-back, it stands to reason that the earliest Ball could return is Friday.