After being without six players heading into Thursday night’s double-digit loss to the Utah Jazz, it sounds like the Lakers will still be without a handful of players for their next preseason game. With the exception of Ryan Kelly who’s been dealing with a hamstring strain, Byron Scott is not counting on any of his injured players to be available for Sunday’s game.
Jeremy Lin was on the sidelines using a stim machine for his sprained right ankle during practice. Unfortunately, Lin actually told the media that he also slightly tweaked his left ankle while overcompensating for his right during a shootaround. The Lakers don’t expect Lin to be able to play in Sunday’s game, but Lin says he’s not ruling it out if he’s able to scrimmage tomorrow.
Xavier Henry (backs spasms) and Jordan Clarkson (calf strain) are not expected to be available for Sunday’s game. As for Steve Nash, Scott admitted that he really has no idea, called him “day-by-day.”
Scott was asked about his three-point philosophy at practice today, since the Lakers have not made a shot from behind the arc since their second preseason game. Scott said that he expects their three-point attempts to increase to 12-15 once the team is healthy, but also reiterated that three-pointers may get you to the playoffs, but they don’t win championships.
Scott has been very honest about what he’s seen from Julius Randle this preseason, often saying that he believes Randle can give more effort on the floor. After practice, Scott admitted that at times he does forget Randle is just 19-years-old, but at the end of the day, he’s prepping Randle for the transition from college to the pros:
“It’s a lot harder here than it was at Kentucky. This is big boys league, that’s the bottom line.”
Randle was very mature when responding to Scott’s criticism, saying that he should not get the same treatment as players that have already proven themselves.
Scott also clarified that right now he sees both Robert Sacre and Ed Davis as strictly at the five position. He’s liked what he’s seen from both so far, though their style of play is quote different. Scott is still deciding who will find themselves with more playing time in the rotation this season.
The Los Angeles Lakers will practice on Saturday morning before taking on the Utah Jazz at Staples Center on Sunday.
[divide]Byron Scott On Julius Randle, “I still don’t think the last couple of games he’s played as hard as he could play”