After an impressive and unexpected start to the 2016-17 NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers have been dealing with numerous injuries to some of their key players.
Julius Randle is one of the few players on the Lakers roster who have been battling an injury as of late. Although Randle’s status during the current four-game road trip has been up in the air, it appears the third-year forward will get back on the floor on Tuesday night.
After missing three games with a hip pointer, Randle will play against the New Orleans Pelicans, according to Tania Ganguli of the L.A. Times:
Julius Randle will play tonight.
— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) November 29, 2016
Randle’s return couldn’t come at a better time with the Lakers set to have their hands full with Anthony Davis. Despite a slow start to the season, the Pelicans have started to show signs of life winning six of their last 10 games, much of which has coincided with the return of point guard Jrue Holiday.
In 15 games this season, Randle has averaged 13.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. The Kentucky product is having a great year as one of the leaders of this young Lakers squad and will try to continue his improved play as well as the team’s newfound winning ways on Tuesday on the road against the Pelicans.
Following the matchup with Davis and company in New Orleans, the Lakers will play the second game of a back-to-back against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday.