After a five-game road trip, the Los Angeles Lakers returned to Staples Center to begin a three-game home stand against the New Orleans Pelicans. Despite Jordan Clarkson’s near triple-double, the Lakers ultimately fell 113-92 and suffered their 54th loss of the season.
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Late in the fourth quarter, Wayne Ellington injured his shoulder during a collision. According to Lakers.com reporter Mike Trudell, the shooting guard suffered a ‘mild’ shoulder separation and will be re-evaluated on Thursday:
Wayne Ellington suffered a mild shoulder separation on that late-game collision. He'll be re-evaluated tomorrow.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 2, 2015
While Ellington said his shoulder was sore after the game, he is optimistic the injury will heal on its own:
Ellington said the shoulder is very sore, but is optimistic it will heal on its own. He was worried it would be worse than appears to be.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) April 2, 2015
Since Kobe Bryant was lost for the season with a torn labrum, Ellington has been one of the team’s few bright spots while providing consistency from the perimenter. In 36 starts for the Lakers, Ellington has averaged 12.5 points while shooting nearly 37 percent from beyond the arc.
With eight games remaining in the 2014-15 NBA season, the Lakers are currently evaluating the current roster. Armed with potentially four draft picks and $28 million in cap space, the Lakers have an opportunity to take the next step as they look to rebuild themselves into championship contenders again.
