With the emergence of Jordan Hill, the Los Angeles Lakers have seen their rotation change quite a bit in recent games. Head coach Mike D’Antoni has struggled with who to play and his decision tonight might be made easier by the status of forward Chris Kaman.
Kaman missed practice yesterday with back soreness and was considered day-to-day heading into today’s practice. However, according to Mark Medina of the LA Daily News, look for Kaman to sit out tonight:
Chris Kaman still doubtful for tonight
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) November 22, 2013
Signed to a one-year deal like most Lakers over the off-season, Kaman was in contention for the starting power forward position before missing the end of the preseason with gastroenteritis. Shawne Williams got the start on Opening Night, but D’Antoni made the switch to Kaman for three games.
Starting alongside Pau Gasol, Kaman averaged 10 points and six rebounds, but D’Antoni wasn’t pleased with the slowness the two seven-footers played with in the starting unit. On the season, the former lottery pick is averaging 8.3 points and 5.3 rebounds in 26 minutes per game.
With the athletic Warriors in town tonight, D’Antoni would most likely opt to play a younger more athletic lineup most of the time as the Lakers try and avenge their embarrassing 125-94 loss from the second game of the season.
The injury doesn’t sound like it’ll keep Kaman out for an extended period of time as the Lakers try and build on their impressive win against the Detroit Pistons last Sunday.
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ICYMI: Mike D’Antoni talked about Chris Kaman’s injury yesterday at practice.
