The Los Angeles Lakers have riddled with injuries over the past few seasons and on Monday, matters may have gotten even worse for the storied NBA franchise. Rookie newcomer Tarik Black went down with an ankle injury against the division rival Phoenix Suns.
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According to Bill Oram of the Orange County Register, Black suffered a sprained right ankle late in the fourth quarter against the Suns:
Tarik Black: sprained right ankle, will not return, getting X-ray
— Bill Oram (@billoram) January 20, 2015
The Lakers acquired Black off of waivers last month when the Houston Rockets had to clear a roster spot for veteran forward Josh Smith. Although Black was a relatively unknown rookie, the 23-year-old has provided a spark off the bench for head coach Byron Scott and is quickly becoming a fan favorite in Los Angeles.
In the six games played in a Lakers uniform before taking on the Suns on Monday, Black averaged 8.0 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. Black has already shown his worth to the Lakers and may earn a spot on the roster beyond this season.
If Black is set to miss time due to the ankle sprain, third-year year veteran Robert Sacre will likely get back in the rotation. Black finished with six points, three rebounds, a steal and a block against the Suns before going down with the injury.
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