The Los Angeles Lakers released their injury report for Wednesday night’s crucial matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Lakers have listed D’Angelo Russell and Mo Bamba as probable for the game while LeBron James and Anthony Davis are both questionable.
The Lakers played and won against the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night, but the game went into overtime. James and Davis have both dealt with foot injuries this season, so the Lakers may play things safe with them on the second night of a back-to-back.
Russell, who is dealing with a foot injury of his own, left Sunday’s game against Houston with the injury. He also missed the team’s win over Utah on Tuesday night.
Since being traded to the Lakers, Russell is averaging 17.1 points, 3.0 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game while shooting 47.5 percent from the field and 39.8 percent from 3-point range.
He’d likely take on a bigger scoring responsibility if James or Davis is unable to play on Wednesday night.
Bamba has not played since March 5 due to an ankle injury, but it appears he’s ready to return for this game. The big man was acquired in a deadline deal with the Orlando Magic this season.
That gives the Lakers an option down low if Davis ends up sitting out.
This is a huge game for the Lakers, who have the same record as the Clippers entering this game. The Clippers have the edge in the season series, but the Lakers would jump them in the standings with a win tonight.
A win on Wednesday would also allow the Lakers to control their own destiny. If the team wins every game the rest of the season, it would avoid the play-in tournament and could finish as high as the No. 5 seed in the West.
While sitting James and Davis may protect them from a potential injury, it also could cost the Lakers a shot at getting a top-six seed. By avoiding the play-in tournament, the Lakers would be giving both James and Davis more time off before the postseason starts.
The Lakers and Clippers are scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m. PST from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Lakers have sky-high expectations compared to the lion's share of other NBA…
Amid chatter about the future of 20-time All-Star LeBron James with the Los Angeles Lakers,…
Former All-Star big man DeMarcus Cousins called out former New Orleans Pelicans general manager Dell…
Darvin Ham has had more NBA Cup success than any coach in the league since…
The Milwaukee Bucks captured the 2024 NBA Cup title with a 97-81 victory over the…
Perhaps no two players have contributed more to the Los Angeles Lakers since the start…