For the past week or so, the Los Angeles Lakers have been without one of their most consistent scorers this season in Lou Williams. The veteran guard ranks third on the team in scoring and has been a big weapon whether starting or coming off the bench.
Williams has been dealing with a strained hamstring that has forced him to miss the past five games, but it looks as if he is ready to return.
According to Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News, Williams is expected to return for Sunday’s game against the New York Knicks:
Lou Williams practiced and is expected to play tomorrow
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) March 12, 2016
Williams’ return will obviously force a change to the rotation, though Medina also notes that head coach Byron Scott is unsure exactly what change that will be:
Byron said he has not decided how Williams' return will impact rotation. Could reduce minutes for Huertas, Russell or both
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) March 12, 2016
A reduction in Huertas’ minutes seems like a definite. The Brazilian has played extremely well in these recent games however, and the team’s ball movement increases when he is in the game. Seeing Russell lose a few minutes would not be ideal, but might be necessary if Huertas is to remain in the rotation.
Scott definitely has some decisions to make as the Lakers were beginning to figure some things out offensively with their ball and player movement. Re-inserting Williams in the rotation while keeping the momentum established could be very tricky.