With the news announced yesterday that Steve Blake is out indefinitely with a strained hamstring, the Lakers need all the bodies they can get. Unfortunately, it sounds like the Lakers roster will be thinner than ever before. As tweeted by the Los Angeles Lakers, Steve Nash (hip/back) is still a game-time decision, and Jodie Meeks (sprained ankle) is still doubtful.
D’Antoni says Steve Nash is a game-time decision for tonight’s Game 3: “He feels a lot better & wants to see what the day brings.”
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 26, 2013
D’Antoni said that Darius Morris will be in the starting lineup, with Duhon or Goudelock at PG if Nash can’t go. Meeks still doubtful.
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 26, 2013
At practice yesterday, D’Antoni hinted that Darius Morris would fill in the starting line-up, and he confirmed it at shootaround this morning. If Steve Nash is unable to play, either Chris Duhon or Andrew Goudelock will fill in at point guard. D’Antoni said yesterday that a few of these guys are going to have to have a big game if the Lakers have a chance of winning tonight. Hopefully their energy will be able to outweigh some of the mistakes that the young players will inevitably experience.
In other news, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that Metta World Peace had liquid drained for a cyst in his left knee this morning. Apparently the cyst was not related to his torn meniscus knee surgery, and will not affect his playing status for tonight.
Metta had 20 ccs of liquid drained from a cyst in his L knee Friday morning. He will play in Game 3. Cyst unrelated to knee surgery
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 26, 2013
Hope for the Lakers may lie in the simple fact that Kobe Bryant will be in attendance. McMenamin also reported that D’Antoni said Kobe will be on the bench Friday night.
D’Antoni said Kobe Bryant will be on the bench for Game 3: “He’s not playing though”
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 26, 2013
It is more likely that Kobe will be in the lockerroom keeping his leg elevated, rather than on the bench, but his presence will be welcomed. Kobe attended the Lakers practice yesterday and was at the Lakers facility on crutches this morning, according to ESPN’s Beto Duran.
Kobe (on crutches) said he was also at practice yday. Asked if willing to do in game TV interview “Nah. I’ll just tweet”
— Beto Duran (@DuranSports) April 26, 2013
The Lakers might be able to use some of Kobe’s tweets tonight. Look out for Coach Vino. Tip-off is set for 7:30PM PST at Staples Center.
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