After missing two of three games due to a sore left knee, D’Angelo Russell received platelet-rich plasma injections and will be reevaluated in two-to-three weeks. Luke Walton had shown concerns earlier in the week about Russell’s knee, but there was still hope that the second-year guard would be able to return rather quickly.
Unfortunately, the Lakers will now be without arguably their best playmaker during their hardest stretch of games to date. The Lakers were already blown out by the Warriors on Wednesday, and their next eight games are against the Warriors, Hawks, Pelicans, Bulls, Raptors, Grizzlies, Jazz, and Rockets. All eight of those teams are currently playing excellent basketball and feature top quality point guards.
In his absence, the Lakers will need to rely on the playmaking of Lou Williams, Jose Calderon, and Jordan Clarkson in the backcourt. Brandon Ingram had his best game of the season against the Warriors and figures to see an increased role with the ball in his hands while Russell is out.
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Lakers News
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NBA News
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