Los Angeles Lakers forward Brandon Ingram and point guard Lonzo Ball were sorely missed in the team’s blowout loss to the Memphis Grizzlies Monday night.
Ingram missed the contest due to a sprained ankle he suffered early in the team’s win against the Dallas Mavericks, while Ball also sustained a knee injury in that game that left him barely able to walk.
X-Rays were negative on Ingram’s ankle, but the team still kept him out against the Grizzlies for precautionary reasons, but it sounds like that caution will no longer be necessary against Oklahoma City, with Ingram telling Mike Trudell of Lakers.com that he feels like he should be ready to go.
Ingram was able to sprint and cut on his ankle today, and told us while it’s still a little sore, he’s “confident” he’ll be able to play tomorrow vs OKC. They’ll confirm that based on how it feels tomorrow.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) January 16, 2018
Lakers head coach Luke Walton echoed Ingram’s sentiment to Bill Oram of the O.C. Register, but cautioned the Lonzo Ball might be a little bit further away from getting back out on the floor.
Luke Walton said he “would expect” Brandon Ingram to play tomorrow. Different story for Lonzo Ball, who did not practice. Technically questionable, but probably somewhere between doubtful and out.
— Bill Oram (@billoram) January 16, 2018
If Ball is unable to go, the Lakers could start Tyler Ennis for the second consecutive game when they tip against the Thunder Wednesday. The team has also called up two-way guards Alex Caruso and the newly signed Gary Payton II in order to give the team some necessary backcourt depth.
Ingram’s return will likely lead to Josh Hart being bumped back out of the starting lineup and returning to his typical role as a reserve behind Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
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