A common and frustrating theme for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2017-18 season has been injuries. Aside from the challenge playing shorthanded for multiple stretches, the Lakers have been without starters and/or key contributors during those times.
The most recent to fall victim to the injury bug were Josh Hart and Brandon Ingram. Hart sustained a broken bone in his left hand during a practice in late February, and Ingram suffered a groin strain against the Miami Heat on March 1.
The sophomore forward just returned to the court Wednesday, while Hart remains out but is hopeful to play Friday night against the Milwaukee Bucks. Hart steadily increased his level of activity in practice, which on Thursday included playing 2-on-2 with Channing Frye as his teammate.
They went up against a duo of Alex Caruso, who despite not having days remaining on his two-way contract is back with the Lakers now that the G League regular season concluded, and big man Ivica Zubac.
Hart was the only player in the game who could be considered on the mend. Caruso recently suffered a concussion while playing for South Bay, and Frye has only appeared in one game since returning from an emergency appendectomy during the All-Star break.
Although Frye is unlikely to receive playing time, Caruso and Hart could be of particular value if Lonzo Ball is to miss any time due to a left knee contusion. An MRI did not reveal any further injury, and he’s considered day-to-day.